Turn to the Experts

We do it all the time. We turn to experts to learn from their experience. Whether it be doctors, athletes, or just simple local tradespeople, the experts help us to navigate through obstacles in our lives. ‘Do-it-yourself’ books and videos are filled with learning opportunities for us to overcome our challenges. If it works in our secular lives, why would it not work in our spiritual lives? Of course, it does.

Timothy, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hardworking farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel, the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal. But the word of God is not fettered. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory.

2^nd Timothy 2.1-10

Most of the Epistles of the New Testament come to us from Saint Paul. He is our daily ‘go-to’ expert when it comes to enduring struggle for Christ. Today, his advice for Saint Timothy (and us) is to “share in suffering as a good soldier.” In times of battle, soldiers turn to watch their leaders. They follow their leaders. They imitate their leaders. They are inspired and cheered on by their leaders. Saint Paul is cheering us and leading us today.

Saint Paul looks to his own leader, Our Lord Jesus Christ, as “THE EXPERT” for inspiration and advice. Saint Paul knew (and we know) that Christ also experienced what we experienced. He suffered. He was tempted. He was tormented by the leaders of the opposing army. Satan tried and tried but could not break Christ from His stronghold. The harder Satan fought, the stronger and more victorious Christ was.

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.  And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”  The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Mark 1.9-15

Now it is our turn to endure and share in the suffering of battle. Our battle is no different than that of Christ or Saint Paul. Satan is still trying to knock us off our stronghold. We have ‘experts’ to inspire us and to guide us. Today is the commemoration of Saint Philip of Moscow. He endured much suffering for his faith and desire to remain strong in Christ. You can read a brief description of his life here. Saint Philip, like Saint Paul, can be an inspiration for us to remain steadfast in faith. We might be tormented, but we will be victorious.

Make reading the lives of the saints a daily part of your spiritual journey and allow ‘the experts’ to guide you. The Gospel passage ends today with Christ’s command to REPENT! This means Christ wants us to change our point of view, to change our mindset. One way to change our mindset is to consider the lives of the saints as ‘Do-It-Yourself’ guidebooks. The best part is, you won’t be doing it by yourself. You have the entire church and God Himself on your side.