We need each other

Timothy You are aware that all who are in Asia have turned away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain; when he arrived in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me -may the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! And you know very well how much service he rendered insus. Timothy You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier's aim is to please the enlisting officer. And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules. It is the farmer who does the work who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things. Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David-that is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful- for he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 1:15-2:13 (NRSV)

This passage is taken from a section of 2 Timothy in which Paul writes about the suffering he has endured on behalf of the good news of Jesus Christ. He writes this as encouragement to his readers who are going through similar things.

He gives three examples of those who endure suffering by keeping their eyes on something more than their suffering: the soldier who wants to please the leader, the athlete who receives the prize and the farmer who receives the first portion of the harvest. For Paul, his eyes were on Jesus. He continued on inspite of suffering out of love for Jesus and the other believers. The end goal was their salvation and growth. By focusing on these things, he could continue in spite of suffering.

A modern day example would be those on the TV show the Biggest Loser. Several of the contestants will describe how miserable they are the weight loss ranch with hours of grueling exercise and learning not to give into temptations, but then they will say "I am doing this for my spouse and kids. I don't want them growing up without a parent." And that gives them the reason to keep on.

Paul writes of another reason for his strength in the midst of suffering - he has the encouragement of others. There really are no 'solo Christians'. We all need the encouragement of others for support and to motivate us. On the Biggest Loser, those that have a partner with them on the ranch often do better. We need people around us to motivate us to do what we need to meet our goals.

In the Kingdom of God, we need each other. Not just for psychological reasons, but for spiritual ones as well. Accountability partners, prayer partners, regular fellowship gatherings encourage, support and motiviate us. Pray for one if you do not have one already, and if you do pray for God to use it to bless you and help you to be a blessing to the others.