In Order to Teach, We Must be Hard-working

Photo by Bob Jagendorf

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:6-7

The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.   Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

Insights: Our final illustration this week is that of a farmer. Notice with me the way that Paul describes this farmer. He calls him a hard-working farmer. I have been blessed over the last many years to work in communities in which agriculture is a big mainstay of peoples occupations. I can say with Paul that forming is very hard work. These farmers have to make certain the fields are prepped by removing stones in stumps and other debris. These farmers then have to plow the field and in many occasions have to get the appropriate nutrients into the field. Then they have to plant the field. And then during the growth process they have to tend to the field. Then after this step they harvest the field and all the work that goes into the delivery process of their crops. The point is: farming is hard work. It is not accidental that Paul used this illustrations as one of the examples of our Christian walk. Our walk often times is very hard because there is a spiritual battle waging around us.  Beloved, let us again be reminded of Paul's words when he tells us to not grow weary in doing good because if we do not give up we will reap a harvest in due season. When we are in the field doing the work it can at time seems overwhelming. It often times takes months for a crop to reach the point of harvest. At the beginning when we see very little progress we might even ask ourselves if it is worth it. Let me assure you, Beloved, it is worth it. Stay true to the work set before you and you will reap a spiritual harvest in due season. When the Lord God returns may He find us faithful at the work He has assigned to us.

Questions:

 1. Are you willing to do work that gives you no real earthly recognition, but gives God glory?

 2. What reason(s) do you give to support your justification for not working hard for the Lord?

Prayer: Father, too many times I find myself being lazy and unwilling to do the work necessary for a greater harvest.  Shack me from my complacency and let me honor You with work that endures no matter how challenging it might be for me.  Amen.

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