Entangled by the Right Things

By: Kim Garrett

Saturday, November 30, 2024

No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted himself as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:4 (NKJV)

Have you ever tried to untangle a twisted ball of Christmas tree lights? Or maybe your fishing line got tangled in the reel just as you were trying to bring in a huge fish. Entanglement... What is Paul referring to when he says, No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life? More importantly, as Christ followers, how do we separate ourselves from entanglement when we're battling emotional and spiritual warfare?

First, we need to consider what the "affairs of this life" are, and how they relate to soldiers. Mental challenges like pride, independence, seeking approval (praise) from others, and self-preservation can inhibit a soldier's willingness to obey orders. Excessively focusing on family and home life might serve as distractions, drawing a soldier’s attention away from the battle. Biblical soldiers must remain committed, focused, and alert, always ready to obey the commands of their Commanding Officer, Jesus Christ.

Biblical soldiers are called to kingdom duty, set apart to serve the One who enlisted them. Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; Psalm 4:3

Biblical soldiers can’t overly focus solely on personal or social relationships. They must remain attentive to the task at hand. army, Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Proverbs 4:25

Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith (Hebrews 12:2a NLT).

Biblical soldiers are alert to what’s happening around them, but they are also consider what’s up ahead. willing to endure hardships requiring spiritual endurance. Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 1 Peter 1:13

We live in a world that is screaming for attention and full of distractions. Social media, cell phones, and technology are all competing for our attention. If we aren’t careful, we’ll get entangled by wrong things or end up in wrong places. But God has good news! The Holy Spirit is calling us to "enlist" in God's Army! He will train and equip us for the battles ahead. Our spiritual training will prepare us to fulfill God’s plans and will for our lives.

Don't let yourself get entangled by the affairs of this life, get entangled by the right things, the things of God!

Read: Colossians 1:11-14; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; 1 John 2:15-16