In the last two passages Paul has used the term “guard” many times. We guard something because it is of great value, and we want the best guards on things we value the most. Paul now goes on to say we need to take what we have to be strong in (God’s grace) and entrust what we have heard (The Gospel) to those qualified to teach others. Here we begin to see a reason for the sound teaching in the last chapter: discipling others! Paul goes on to show the importance of this by using two common examples, the soldier and the athlete. Both of whom are VERY focused on victory as the end result. In our lives as well, we need to have focus; a focus on what God has directed us to and NOT on what this world has to offer. Sometimes this can be confusing and hard, which is why there is such an emphasis on guarding what we have and resting in CHRIST’s power alone, nothing else, including ourselves. The rewards are there for us, just like Paul says for the soldier, the athlete, and even the farmer. This week allow God’s grace and power to be your sole source of energy. Allow Him to focus you and your time.