Why we need to be like: a soldier, an athlete, & a farmer

I was reading and reflecting on 1 Tim 2: 3-7, in which there are three pictures painted by Paul of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. Paul connects these three occupations with being a Christian during Biblical times. I, however, saw a clear connection between those occupations pertaining not only to our modern times but also to myself and being a Christian today.

For me, the occupation of being a solider was the one which stood out to me the most, having spent time in the military. Paul shows that the obedience a soldier exhibits towards his commander should be the same that we as Christians should show Christ. When Christ gives a command we must follow it, just as a soldier must obey the commands of his superior, with no deviation and not listening to the rest of the world.

As an athlete, well, we have a fantastic example of UGA football here in Athens. While fans take great pride in the team, and we have a new season to start going for a national championship, half of the team appears to be in jail for not following the rules set out by the community, not to mention federal law. As Christians, if we do not follow the rules the Lord set out for us, how can we be expected to go out into the world and do his work?

While today farming is not as widespread of a job (in Athens anyway, but thank goodness we have farmers), we can still relate the work of a farmer to any work we do today. The farmer works hard in the field to reap the benefit of a good crop, and we work hard to reap the benefit of wages or salary. Working hard for Christ should come as second nature, and we know that we will reap the benefits when the ‘end of our day’ comes.