2 Timothy 2:3-5

New International Reader's Version

³ Like a good soldier of Christ Jesus, join with me in suffering. ⁴ A soldier does not take part in things that don’t have anything to do with the army. Instead, he tries to please his commanding officer. ⁵ It is the same for anyone who takes part in a sport. They don’t receive the winner’s crown unless they play by the rules.