2 Timothy 2:6

Hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labour.

Paul was well aware of what a hard job it was to be a Christian leader. When he wrote to the Corinthians, he told them that he was pressed on every side by troubles. He knew what it was to be perplexed and hunted down and to live in constant danger of death (2 Corinthians 2:4-11). He didn’t want Timothy to have any illusions about the challenges that would face him and so, having compared his ministry to that of a soldier and an athlete, he next points to the example of a hardworking farmer. All farmers are focused on bringing in a good harvest, but they will only achieve it if they put in months of really hard work.

This is a good reminder for us all because there is something in all of us which would like God’s work to be easy and straightforward. We would like everyone to be cooperative and helpful and for the work to float through with ease, but if you have ever been involved in a local church, you will know it is not like that. It is often difficult to find people to do all the work that needs to be done, and people are not necessarily as easy to work with as one would like. In addition, we are living with an ever-increasing layer of legal responsibilities. We need to have safeguarding measures in place to protect children and adults at risk and have clear responsibilities to account for our finances. All of these requirements are entirely appropriate and wise, but they are hard work.

Paul’s message to us is that we shouldn’t ever be surprised that working for God is demanding. That was precisely his experience. At the same time, we shouldn’t be surprised at the incredible blessings for those who put in the hard work. Farmers are the first people to be able to enjoy their own crop and, as Christians, we have the incredible joy of being first on the scene to enjoy the blessing of seeing people’s lives changed and renewed by God.

Question

Do you find it hard work being involved in your church? If so, how do you cope with it?

Prayer

Loving God, thank you for the privilege of working for you. Help me never to be grumpy, surprised or resentful when it is hard doing what you have called me to do. Amen