In his letter to Timothy, Paul is giving instructions regarding the character attributes of a believer. He is using metaphors to assist Timothy in understanding the principles of following Christ. He uses examples of an athlete and a farmer to demonstrate the rewards of discipline in a believer’s life. This comparison allows us to see clearly the rewards associated with living out our faith in a disciplined manner.
The athlete requires discipline to train for the competition. The training is done mostly in private and maybe with great sacrifice and pain. The athlete also must be aware of the rules and follow them if he wants to stay in the competition and finish the race. Athletes do not train for a week and then run a marathon. They study and run to prepare themselves for months and perhaps years in advance. Discipline develops our endurance and brings reward.
Paul states that the farmer should be the first to receive his share of the crops. The farmer tends the land, plants the seed, then nourishes the seed until it matures to be harvested. The farmer’s work brings a reward that can be shared, but the farmer should get his share first as a reward for his discipline and hard work. A life of discipline is worth pursuing.
As we apply this principle to our life, we must remember that discipline is a process. We must commit ourselves daily to becoming a follower of Christ. Spiritual discipline in our life produces gradual results over time, but the rewards are worth the effort.
What are some ways we can develop more spiritual discipline in our lives?
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