September 1, 2026
— Albert L. Shelton · Source: Pioneering in Tibet (1921), ch. XXXV "Come On!", p. 214
2 Timothy 2:3-4 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.
In the last chapter of Pioneering in Tibet, Albert L. Shelton called the mission "the long fight for Tibet" and urged young men not to think it a mistake to give their abilities to it, but to come and join. Second Timothy reminds us that a soldier does not get entangled in civilian affairs, but seeks only to please the recruiter. We often compromise and shrink back in times of monotony or hardship, forgetting that following Christ is a spiritual warfare with no discharge. Ministry is not about seeking worldly security, but standing firm in the post given by the Lord. Whatever our circumstances, may we not be trapped by present hardships and anxieties, but fix our eyes on that eternal calling. With the loyalty and courage of a good soldier, let us rise to the challenge at the passes of life, until we have finished the race.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for enlisting us to be good soldiers of Christ Jesus. Grant us resilient faith and fearless courage, so that when we face the storms and trials of life, we may not shrink back or be entangled by worldly anxieties and selfish desires. Lord, remove the weakness and compromise from our hearts, and may Your Holy Spirit strengthen our steps, keeping us watchful and faithful in our daily service and work. May our lives manifest Your glory, and whether we live or die, may we belong to You alone. Guide us, that by Your grace we may stand firm until we reach the end of our lives. Amen.