Hardship is a fact of life in
Christian ministry.
A good soldier accepts suffering as an ongoing
reality. The level of suffering may change based
on battle conditions, but he expects suffering. The
New Testament emphasizes hardship in Christian
ministry, but sometimes leaders neglect this truth
while training men for leadership.
Endurance through hardship is
fundamental for a good soldier.
Paul suffered much; Timothy had seen it. Paul
called upon Timothy to continue to endure through
hardship with Paul for the Gospel, though they
were geographically separated. Timothy was also
to train others to endure suffering for Christ’s sake.
Paul exemplified faithful endurance to Timothy;
now Timothy must exemplify the same to inspire
new recruits.
What must a soldier endure to be a good soldier?
He must endure intense training to get in shape and
acquire skill for battle. When battles rage, he must
put down his fears, struggle against overwhelming
weariness, and lay aside grief over fallen comrades.
He must withstand the psychological pressure of
being far from home and isolated in highly uncom-
fortable settings. In times of quiet, he must weather
the hardship of boredom and inactivity while waiting
for that sudden call to arms. Then there is the need
to endure the pain from the wounds of war, those
obtained by fighting with the enemy as well as those
obtained through accidents and even friendly fire.
And what of battle fatigue, dealing with traitors,
hunger and privation, possible captivity as a prisoner
of war, or the risk of losing life or limbs? There are
many parallels to Christian ministry.
Endurance requires
single-minded devotion.
Paul warned against getting entangled “in the affairs
of everyday life.” Single-mindedness, the ability
to shut out everything extraneous is the key to
success in virtually every area of life.1 The pleasures
and priorities of the world must not be allowed to
distract the good soldier from his life’s purpose to
please Jesus Christ. In times of hardship, the soldier
must remain single-minded.
Strength to endure comes from
Jesus Christ.
Paul told Timothy, “Be strong in the grace that is
in Christ Jesus.” A Christian soldier is not expected
to dig deep and find within himself everything
needed to endure suffering in this spiritual war.
Men in training desperately need to understand this
foundational truth: Without Him we will fail!
Endurance will be rewarded.
A good soldier who faithfully fulfills his duty in
any and all circumstances, even at great personal
sacrifice, proves his love and loyalty, pleasing his
Commanding Officer. A “well done” from Him and
rewards to lay at His feet should motivate His troops.
Tenacious perseverance
through the grace of
Christ enables us to
become and remain
good soldiers. Those
who endure hardship
serve their Lord
with honor.
FORREST
MCPHAIL
BY
Consider these observations about enduring
hardship in the context of the military analogy: