2 Timothy 2:1 “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 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. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. 7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.”

I hear reports from different sources saying different things but all saying the same thing. We need more education so people can get better jobs. We need tougher laws to stop the criminals. We need gun control to stop the killing. We need better politicians to run the government. We more money to live a better life. We need, we need, we need, we need, and we need more.

In 1983, the U.S. Congress passed a law declaring the Year of the Bible in the United States. Gallup Poll took a survey of the American people to find out what they wanted the most. To everyone’s surprise, what the American people wanted was love, joy and peace, the first three gifts of the Holy Spirit. In that single year, the gross national product of the United States increased more than it had in the previous 20 years. Churches began to fill up and people recognized their need for Jesus. Christianity was accepted as the norm for American life.

Life isn’t controlled by the world. It isn’t money, power, greed, acquiring things, or controlling armies. What is so different from 1983 and now? There is no difference at all. But today everything is going to hell in hand basket.  “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.” Look in the mirror and see the truth in your life. What do you see and can you say that you have endure hardness as a good soldier.