Nosoldier in active serviceentangleshimself in the affairsof everyday life,sothat he may pleasethe one who enlisted him as a soldier.
but justas we have been approvedby Godto be entrustedwith the gospel,sowe speak,not as pleasingmen,but Godwho examinesour hearts.
"The [seed] which fellamongthe thorns,theseare the ones who have heard,and as they go on their waythey are chokedwith worriesand richesand pleasuresof [this] life,and bringnofruit to maturity.
For if,after they have escapedthe defilementsof the worldby the knowledgeof the Lordand SaviorJesusChrist,they are againentangledin them and are overcome,the laststate has becomeworsefor them than the first.
for Demas,having lovedthispresentworld,has desertedme and goneto Thessalonica;Crescens[has gone] to Galatia,Titusto Dalmatia.
Thereforewe alsohave as our ambition,whetherat homeorabsent,to be pleasingto Him.
It was for freedomthat Christset us free;thereforekeep standing firmand do not be subjectagainto a yokeof slavery.
