Alliances

             Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 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. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. (II Timothy 2:3-7)

It doesn’t matter what you are, there will be inconveniences for the good of that thing that will get in the way of life. Soldiers, athletes, and farmers are great examples, but if you’re a student, an employee, a member of something, a dog owner, or a parent, you know the same sense of demands that require focus and self-denial. Connection with anyone or anything has strings attached, and we would be wise to consider those strings before we allow them to be tied to us. Some may be ropes or chains instead of strings. Put simply, connection costs. Disconnection also costs.

Why should we be surprised or offended if being a follower of Christ also has costs? So does not being one. The amazing and wonderful thing is that Jesus paid the initial membership fee. The cost was beyond what we could ever pay. The ongoing association may cost us everything we have and are, but that’s pennies in comparison. That doesn’t make it easy, but it shouldn’t be surprising or offensive.

The careers Paul mentioned all have benefits as well. The soldier who pleases his commander earns his commander’s trust and protection. The athlete earns the medal. The farmer earns his food. The follower of Jesus Christ doesn’t earn Jesus, but receives Him, and eternal life, and heaven because that’s what Jesus has earned for us.

But the problem we face is in not letting ourselves get surprised or distracted by other offers or by the hardships we face as a result of our alliance with Jesus.