2 TIMOTHY 2:4-5
A strange type of vine known as the matador grows in South America. The Spanish word matador means ‘killer.’
The matador begins its life growing at the foot of a tree. At first, it looks like a harmless little plant. But as it grows, the matador relentlessly winds its way around the tree, makes its way to the top, and slowly strangles the tree. When the matador reaches the tree’s top, it produces flowers, as though celebrating its kill and crowning itself a victor.
Many habits in our lives are like the matador. They seem harmless at first and grow slowly. But left unchecked, they are dangerous.
The apostle Paul warned Timothy of another kind of attachment that could cause him defeat or strangle him – the affairs of this life (2 Timothy 2:4). He urged Timothy not to let anything slow him down or distract him from the cause of His Lord and Master.
There are many attractive things in our world that are so easy to get entangled with – hobbies, sports, TV, computer games, etc. These may start off as normal activities, but later they can take up so much of our time and thought that they interfere with God’s purpose for us.
We must avoid involvement in the world’s ways and acceptance of the world’s values, all of which subtly or overtly pose a challenge to the ways and values of biblical Christianity.
* Lord Jesus, even though we live in this world, we declare our allegiance to You, our Commanding Officer. Amen.
