Are you like the athlete, soldier or farmer?

No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.   II Timothy 2:4-7 NIV

Timothy, Paul’s son in the ministry, was about to embark on a new assignment as a preacher to the people of Ephesus.  Before he began, Paul used a comparison of three people to help Timothy complete his new assignment.

Paul told Timothy he had to be like a soldier, for once a soldier enlists in the army, he cannot become entangled in civilian affairs because he has to focus on pleasing his commanding officer. The second comparison was that Timothy had to be like an athlete, who  has to understand the rules of his race so he can train and discipline himself to win.  The last comparison was Timothy had to be like a farmer, who works hard at planting his crop, but expects to be the first to receive a reward from his labor.

As an aspiring writer, there’s a lot to be gained from the comparisons Paul used to help Timothy complete his new assignment.  Like a soldier, you’ll need to remember you’re called to the army of writing and your desire must be to ultimately please God who is your commanding officer. Like an athlete. you’ll need to abide by the rules required to participate in the race of writing, and train and discipline yourself to win the trophy of publication. Like a farmer, you’ll need to toil at the craft of writing, believing if you work at it, day and night, you’ll be the first to receive a share of your writing crop.

The call to write for publication requires a commitment on your part, but as you take on the attitude of a soldier, athlete and farmer, you can complete the work God has entrusted to you.

Sharing the journey,

Jeaninne

Writer’s prayer: Father, may I work as hard as an athlete, soldier and farmer as I write for your kingdom. Amen.