If you’ve been in any form of the military, or defended your country in any capacity…I want to personally thank you for your service.  For I know many of you have never been recognized and appreciated for what you did.  It takes a certain character make-up to be a good soldier…a certain firm stand and persistence to face adversity day in and day out…a certain firm determination to get the mission done.  By the time Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy he was well acquainted with the life of a soldier…for he wrote this letter from prison.  So Paul  couldn’t help but watch the Roman soldiers as they worked around him…drawing inspiration from their mindset and resolve.  This is why he exhorted Timothy to be a good soldier…enduring hardship, fighting the good fight, and holding on to his faith until his mission was accomplished.