2 Timothy 2:1-7

the beginning of this passage seems so personal again. Paul calls timothy his son. he encourages him to be strong in the grace of God. thats a good thing to be strong in. His next advice is to entrust what he's been taught to reliable people. this is a good way to build a foundation or culture that is strong and true. He asks timothy to suffer with him as a soldier. a soldier doesn't suffer without purpose. well usually doesn't. God's purpose is good and the fight we're asked to take on is with good purpose. we can trust that it is worth fighting for. because we are soldiers we shouldn't get involved outside our duty. It's the same with any type of work that is committed to a goal. we should be focused on our task. God is on board with this idea and will clarify it for us as we seek to do it. There's a lot of things to do in this world, but if we follow the task that God has for us we should be careful to choose those things that will build us up for the task ahead. it's not easy. paul calls it suffering on purpose. but again, it's for a good goal. fight!