Young People's Group

BEING STRONG ENOUGH TO SUCCEED

by Pastor Mitch
September 25, 2005

Cultivating A Strong Mindset

Learning to be strong has a lot to do with the way we think. On the one hand, there is the abundant grace of the Lord that is available to us. On the other hand, we have to conscientiously do our part in being strong. One aspect is the persistent cultivation of a strong mindset. Wars have been won because of the conquering mindset of a good commander and his soldiers. Games have been won because of the winning mindset of a competitor. As Christians, we too need to cultivate a tough mindset so that we may succeed in life and in ministry. This was something that Paul taught Timothy to have as he took on the task of shepherding his flock. How can we go about cultivating a powerful mindset?

1. Cultivating The Mindset Of An Enduring Soldier

“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”
2 Timothy 2:3-4

If we want to be strong, we must learn to endure hardship. Our mindset must be one of a good and strong soldier. Good soldiers are geared towards enduring the worst of conditions in the field. They have to fight long drawn battles. As such, they must not be caught up with the affairs of this life. Their focus must be on pleasing their commander in chief. A good Christian soldier will learn to endure all things. Strength comes when we can endure much.

2. Cultivating The Mindset Of A Winning Athlete

“And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.”
2 Timothy 2:5

All games have rules. If an athlete wants to win the prize, he has to run according to the rules of the race. If not, he will be disqualified. He has to train hard in order to be strong enough to compete. He needs to focus on winning the prize without cheating on the rules. Young people, we too need to run this race of life with the mindset of a winning athlete. Let’s seek to know the rules of the race of life from the word of God. Let’s train hard that we may run the race of life well. Strength comes when we learn to follow rules.

3. Cultivating The Mindset Of A Hardworking Farmer

“The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops.”
2 Timothy 2:6

Working on a farm is tough work. The farmer learns that in order to succeed, he needs to work hard. The word “hardworking” in the Greek means to “toil till one is exhausted”. The farmer has to rise up early at dawn and work late into the night. He has to be diligent in his work till he tastes the fruit of his labour. A farmer has to learn to be patient too. He must patiently wait for that day to come. For those taking exams soon, let’s not be afraid to work hard. When we study hard now, we will reap the fruit of good results in time to come. Strength comes when we seek to be hardworking and patient.

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