2 Timothy 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 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.

Entangled: to become twisted together with or caught in. The Christian life is likened to many things. We’re reminded that our life is a vapor (James 4). It’s like a marathon (Hebrews 12). We’re likened to branches, that are to abide in the vine (John 15). But here, this life is compared to a war, and we are the soldiers that have been chosen for the war. The Bible says that if we’re to please HIM Who has chosen us to be soldiers for His cause, we must not entangle ourselves in the affairs of this life.

A soldier on the battlefield in Iraq or Afghanistan cannot be entangled in civilian affairs on the ground if he’s to fight well. Likewise we, as soldiers in this spiritual warfare, must not get caught up in the affairs of this life if we’re to fight successfully. Too many have fallen by the wayside because they’ve entangled themselves in the affairs of this life. How many times have we seen careers, the pursuit of money, seeking to acquire or pay off a car, or even a home, entangle God’s people to the point that they no longer “war a good warfare”. They no longer “please Him Who has chosen them to be soldiers”.

This morning I’m reminded that this world is not my home. I’m living for another one. And I must not get caught up/entangled in the things of this life if I’m to please the Lord. Let us fight the good fight of faith, with our eyes and affections set on things above, not on things on the earth.