DCLM Daily Manna November 13, 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi – The Watchful Soldier

Topic: The Watchful Soldier [November 13, 2016]

Text: 2 Timothy 2:1-13

Key Verse: "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier" (2 Timothy 2:4).

In practical terms, a genuine Christian is a soldier at war all his life. The difference between him and the conventional soldier is that whereas the latter has peace-time, moments of respite when he is not at the war front, the former is always waging war. The fervent Christian is at a spiritual war front at all times, the strife or struggle of which is without borders or timing.

The adversary, Satan is on the watch to strike where he considers the most vulnerable point and moment (1 Peter 5:8). A Christian in a state of spiritual watchfulness do not dabble in the affairs of life. "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." Apostle Paul advises all Christians, through his inspired epistle to young Timothy, that they should go through life by travelling light. That means they must be careful in earmarking wealth to themselves at the expense of their divine treasure in heaven.

What then should one carry light? Christ recommends in Matthew 11:28-30, thus: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light". A faithful soldier of Christ should have his mind fixed on heaven as he marches on the narrow path.

He must discipline himself against acquisitive tendencies common with worldly soldiers who are wont to loot the territories they conquer. He must remember that in heaven, he has "better and enduring substance" of "many mansions" and eternal life provided by Jesus Christ. When this is settled in his heart, he would "endure hardness" and look forward to his place in heaven.

Thought for the day: Live in the world, but never allow the world to live in you.

Bible Reading in one Year: Ezekiel 6–8

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.