II Timothy 2:4 “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.”
Members of the military are not permitted to entangle themselves in any other occupation or activity or pursuit that would hinder their ability to perform their duties and obey their commanders. Similarly, our Lord’s Preachers are not permitted to entangle themselves in any other occupation or activity or pursuit that would hinder their ability to be “a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (II Timothy 2:4) or to “Fight the good fight of faith” (I Timothy 6:12) or to obey the “commandments” of our Commander (John 14:15). The Preachers’ duty is described as “the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14), which means that this “calling” must be the foremost pursuit in their lives. Sometimes, I become absolutely incensed by the ungodly things that our politicians do, but I have to remember to not become entangled in politics and political matters. Sometimes, I am fitfully disgusted at the various decisions that are made based upon “science falsely so called” (I Timothy 6:20), but I have to remember that the devil loves to entangle us in such matters to draw us off course. Like everyone else, preachers are charged to provide for their families, which often means that they must hold secular jobs while they are pursuing their First Duty to the Lord and His Church; but, they must discipline themselves to put the Lord and His Church and His Commandments first in their minds, hearts, and duties. The Preachers’ first duty is to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (II Timothy 4:2). It is true that the Word of God warns us against ungodliness, immorality, dishonesty, unkindness, etc.; and it is the Preachers’ duty to address these things as they are led of the Spirit to do so, but they must resist the temptation to let these things dominate their thinking and preaching. The Gospel Message of our Lord’s Holy Word is the best and most effective weapon in the Preachers’ arsenal! Preaching the Word is what comforts, consoles, and strengthens the Children of God so that they “may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11)! Let us pray for our Preachers that they will “Preach the word” (II Timothy 4:2) and not become entangled “with the affairs of this life”!