08/11/2014 - DO NOT ENTANGLE YOURSELF!

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No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2Timothy 2.4

The affairs of this life are many. For some people, it does not matter if, in order to achieve their goals, they have to act in a dishonest matter. But for God’s servants, the end does not justify the means. That which starts wrong does not get straight automatically. Never allow yourself to be carried away by an easy gain or a dishonest pleasure. Behind every temptation there is an evil spirit that wants to enslave you.

Those who have been called to participate in God’s work must not entangle themselves with the affairs of this life. The Most High has called them to take part in the war against the forces of evil. Those who allow themselves to be carried away by temptations will cause God’s people to be defeated. Without a doubt, a man by whom the offense comes will suffer great loss—that warning was not given by chance (Matthew 18.7).

Think of the privilege of he who has been called by the Lord to carry out an assignment for his kingdom. He was elected by God himself, however, right after the election, the enemy entered into action to remove him from his position. Only he who watches and prays is able to escape temptation. The truth is that, while we are here, we must resist the devil’s proposals.

Our greatest mission is to please the One who enlisted us as soldiers of his army. He allows temptation to come upon us so that we may show we are ready to give up anything for his sake and the sake of the gospel. He who overcomes temptation gains trust. But he who falls will be like the salt that lost its flavor, which is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men (Matthew 5.13).

The roles that we will play in the kingdom of God are many. Nevertheless, they are equally noble. It does not matter what your position in the battle is—you are part of God’s army. He who has been called must perform his role with all his soul, with all his heart and with all his strength, bearing in mind that no labor is in vain in the Lord (1Corinthians 15.58). Therefore, in the Great Day, you will receive your reward.

The highest honor for a mortal being is to be chosen to represent the Most High in the role attributed to him. Now imagine this: the eternal, all-powerful God chooses a person like us to be part of his redeeming work! This itself is enough for us to dedicate our lives to fulfilling our blessed calling. Without a doubt, our calling is the proof that God loves us.

The Lord made a promise to those who accomplish their mission successfully: they will enter his rest, where, for all eternity, they will be very happy and highly rewarded (Hebrews 4.3). But those who despise God’s calling or put it off will regret it when it is too late.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares