SOBER IN SUFFERING

SOBER IN SUFFERING

“But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Tim. 4:5

That was the very last word of Paul in the nature of a charge to Timothy concerning his responsibilities as a minister of Christ. He emphasized it by some great words concerning his own ministry. Afterwards, he gave him certain charges of a personal nature, but on that high note he ended so far as Timothy's responsibilities io his Lord concerning the Truth and the Church were concerned. It was a call to make full proof of his service, that is, so to discharge it that there could be no question as to its authenticity. It is a great word, and all those called to serve Christ, in whatever capacity, do well to take heed of it. How often our service is unequal! Sometimes it begins well, and then it wilts, it slackens, it evaporates. Sometimes it is characterized by irregularities occasioned by yielding to the insidious forces that are forever the enemies of constant and consistent endeavor. Paul dared to refer to his own example. He was nearing the end, but looking back he could say, "I have fought the good fight; I have finished the course, I have kept the faith." What a glorious ending to a life of service. Well may we earnestly desire so to finish. But the finishing depends upon the way of the going. In words immediately preceding this final injunction, the Apostle had revealed the secrets of obedience: "Be tbou sober in all things; suffer hardship; do the work of an evangelist." These words need no interpretation, but they demand careful thought. The last charge: "Do the work of an evangelist," may not be for us all, but the former two: "Be sober in all things," and "Suffer hardship," are for everyone.