All on the Field: A Good Farmer—Having a Good Work Ethic - Wednesday
2 Timothy 2:6
The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. (NIV)
Pouring my late-night cereal, I heard the sound of footsteps walking into the kitchen.
“Hey, son.” He smirked. “What’re you doing up?”
Not a bad question to ask an eighth-grade boy, especially one with an algebra test the next morning like myself. But he knew what I knew—that this was one of our few chances during the week to talk, before he went to work and I went to bed.
Third shift at the post office is a rough life—hard on your body and your overall sense of what day it is. My dad was no exception, pouring out his many vitamins and pain-relievers onto the counter. Most nights when I was growing up, this was Dad’s “morning” routine: I poured my cereal, he poured his Tylenol.
His eyes were sleep-deprived, but his tone was warm and upbeat. During our many late-night conversations, he never made my ambushing him with silly questions seem like an inconvenience. Watching him drive off to a job I knew he secretly hated gave me an empty feeling on his behalf. Dad was a man of so many talents; he probably could’ve gone anywhere he wanted to in life. Interestingly enough, two boys and a mortgage had led him here. Because of this, he somehow didn’t mind driving to work at 12am.
Work can be hard. Life can be hard. But when you love something (or someone) with all your heart, those are the things that are worth working for—and living for.
Paul reminds Timothy of this, comparing the work he is doing in ministry to an enlisted soldier, a disciplined athlete, and a hardworking farmer. What’s interesting about Paul’s words is that he wrote them in prison. He has a firsthand understanding of what hardships this life will bring, especially when we are living our lives for the One we love the most.
But through (and only through) the blood of Christ, there is reward for the farmer—and someday, rest from our labor as well. My dad never got the chance to retire, but he is experiencing that rest today.
Paul puts it this way: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him.
Wednesday’s Reflection
What is the most difficult job you’ve ever had? Think about what (or who) made it worth working. Ask God to reveal how you can work for the Lord today, and for those you love.
