SEPARATING THE SPIRITUAL FROM THE PHYSICAL
THE HIDDEN MEANING
INTRODUCTION
In these next scriptures, we at VAL-TE’ believe represents living a life of courage, discipline, and strong values to protect what is good. You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Immanuel. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Immanuel. 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. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. Remember that Immanuel, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Immanuel with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2: 1-7 NKJV
Biblical Word
A GOOD SOLDIER – This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. Don’t we have the right to food and drink? Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? Or is it only I and Barnabas who must work for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? 1 Corinthians 9: 3-7 NIV
Reference
2 Samuel 23: 20-23 – Benaiah son of Jehoiada from Kabzeel was another famous soldier; he did many brave deeds, including killing two great Moabite warriors. He once went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. He also killed an Egyptian, a huge man who was armed with a spear. Benaiah attacked him with his club, snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with it. Those were the brave deeds of Benaiah, who was one of “The Thirty.” He was outstanding among them, but was not as famous as “The Three.” David put him in charge of his bodyguard. GNT
Significance
A Warrior For Peace (Making conscious choices about how we spend our time and energy, rather than passively letting life happen to us) – We at VAL-TE’ also believe it’s about directing our energy towards meaningful goals, standing firm in the face of adversity, and living with integrity. Acting as a guardian for those who cannot protect themselves, whether that means standing up against injustice, or simply supporting a friend in need. It is about being an active force for good and refusing to be a bystander when faced with wrongdoing.
