Today's Passage - 2 Timothy 2 5-7

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english 2 Timothy 2 : 5-7   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. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.     Paul continued to encourage Timothy to become a mature Christian like an athlete competing in the field. Paul was knowledgeable of Roman Greek culture having   competitions with different rules that all had to follow in order to win. This is like ice skating in the Olympic Games when every maneuver appears to be similar to a layman, but for the professionals, they can recognize if it meets the mark.  The skaters cannot make up their own rules but have to be trained according to the rules of the game.  Therefore, self discipline is required for winning the competition.  Likewise, Christians need to lead a life with discipline in their spiritual journey.  The problem of today's church is not because of too much discipline, but the lack of it like a group of amateur athletes, unable to receive the rewards prepared by God.  May the Lord help us grow from infants into spiritual maturity so that we may receive the crowns prepared by God.   Secondly,  a mature Christian is like a diligent  farmer who is quite different from the soldiers in such competitions.  Farmers lack enthusiasm, risk taking and are content in the harvest of their own labors.  It is also true to our spiritual journey since there is no short-cuts as we have to work hard and pay the price.  A Christian who does not stride for spiritual growth, not willing to  read the Bible and pray diligently, or not willing to go church on Sundays,  is like a farmer hoping  for a bountiful harvest without taking care of his field. Martin Luther once said, "My work load is so heavy that I can no longer be sustained without spending three hours a day to be with God." May the Lord open our eyes so that we would work on our spiritual growth without becoming lazy, but  like a diligent farmer,  working hard and willing to pay the price in order to reap  a bountiful  spiritual harvest.                   Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, help us to lead a life of discipline not only in our daily devotions and also in prayers like a diligent farms willing to pay the price knowing that a bountiful harvest is awaiting for us. With thanks we pray, in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!