Paul told Timothy, “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Timothy 2:4-5). These words were written to a young evangelist, who, as a gospel preacher, wasn’t to lose sight of his work through entanglement in the affairs of this life. The material world, because of our physical nature, seems to have a greater attraction than spiritual matters. And because of this, there is always the danger of becoming entangled. The word “entangle” means “to involve so as to hamper, obstruct … to involve as in a mesh; ensnare” (Webster). To be entangled implies a state of being hindered or hampered in one’s faithfulness to Christ — to be confused as to what is to be first in our life.
What’s forbidden isn’t the “affairs of this life.” Paul often worked when it was necessary to support himself in preaching the gospel and certainly it’s right for a Christian to conduct a business to support himself and his family. But what’s forbidden is the allowance of the affairs of this life to ensnare us, the hindrance in our reaching the goal of eternal life. It’s becoming too involved with our work and pleasure that we fail to be faithful as Christians. If we’re to be successful in our fight for truth, we’ll not allow ourselves to become so involved in material things that we lose sight of the spiritual. We’ll also follow the rules or “strive lawfully” or follow truth. How can I know if I am entangled or becoming that way? I am entangled when:
- I allow my work to keep me from fully serving Christ (Matthew 6:33).
- I allow my friends and relatives to keep me from services or from doing the will of Christ daily (Matthew 10:37).
- I don’t have time to pray, read the Bible, visit the sick, and teach others.
- I enter into any relationship, whether marriage, business, or pleasure that will prevent me from living as a Christian.
Love for the world will alienate us from God (1 John 2:15-17; James 4:4), it will cause us to forsake truth (2 Timothy 4:10), and it will dull our desire for spiritual matters (Colossians 3:1-4) Are you entangled?
Adapted from Bill Pierce