Author: Raoul Roncal, from the Servants of the Word, an international, ecumenical brotherhood of men living single for the Lord.
It’s a Free Country
In his second letter to Timothy, Paul reminds Timothy of the cost of choosing to say yes to “enlisting” in the Lord’s service, "No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him." (2 Timothy 2:4)
People often say: “It’s a free country” to justify doing whatever they want, like jumping off a cliff.
Paul seems to have a different perspective. He reminds Timothy, saying: remember, you enlisted in the Lord’s army, so you cannot get ‘entangled in civilian pursuits.’ This is not ‘a free country.” Your choices have consequences. You are no longer a civilian. Rather, you are a soldier!
If you hear Jesus’ call to join his army will you say yes? It’s a free country! You can do whatever you want. You can actually say “no thank you!” But wait! Why say no to the invitation of the King of Kings? Why say no to the invitation of the one who saved us from our sins and who promises us eternal life?
Will you say yes? It’s a free country anyway!
Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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