“The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.” –2 Timothy 2:6 NKJV

The final comparison used by Paul was one of a farmer. Ah! the hard-working and humble farmer! Of the three examples seen, a soldier can receive a medal of honor for his bravery and an athlete can win a medal for competing. But the farmer receives no reward or recognition for his hard and back-breaking efforts. What he has sown, he expects to reap, never expecting more. While the attribute Paul brings to focus in v6 is being hardworking, I would first like for us to look at the humility that a farmer possesses.

He is humble

Humility is very important to God; to find grace we need to walk humbly (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5-6). Pride can manifest in various forms in our lives, not just in its classic boastful nature of self, but also in other areas where the subtle undertones of pride can be revealed. One such area is the feeling of entitlement: to feel we deserve something as a result of the good work we have done. The natural response that has been ingrained in our minds is that when we excel in something, we must be rewarded or recognized. Organizations run on such philosophies because it gratifies hard work. Though that is fair and acceptable to the systems of the world, I do strongly believe that such a mindset can be a stumbling block within the church or in God’s ministry. Entitlement in the Christian faith can be dangerous, because it can make us think we are better than others, it can erode our faith to a system of rewards based on works and not grace, it can harden us in our sins and heresies, it can lead us to walk away from God’s will and calling. This thought, though quite counter-cultural, is a kingdom-minded way of thinking.

The example of a farmer is a good example to explain this kingdom way of thinking. When a farmer who has worked hard reaps from his hardwork, does he expect any glory for the hard work? Does he expect to be rewarded on how early he woke up? Or how long he toiled under the sun? Not at all! His humble mind and heart has taught him that the effort is only his rightful duty to perform. Jesus explains it in a parable in Luke 17:7-10, concluding with the right response in v10, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’  And so when we have thus humbled ourselves, we can say: “just my part have I done!”

He is hardworking

Biblical hard work is not slogging or burning ourselves out. In all things it is important to remember not to come under such a yoke; our work to God must come from a willing heart and spirit. It must be an overflow of love and relationship with God as well as knowing His heart for the world. Every work will be tested (1 Corinthians 3:9-15), and only the work that is done for God’s glory and in His will (Matthew 7:21-23) will stand before God. For God sees our heart’s intentions in all matters.

Further, hard work does not have to come at the cost of compromise, be it of our own physical or mental health, relationships with family and/or God. That kind of hard work is detrimental in the long run; it can break us physically and mentally (Exodus 18:17-18). We cannot run a marathon like a sprint, we have to pace ourselves if we are to finish. Pacing ourselves can begin by discerning God’s call over our lives (Acts 6:2) and asking God, “What do you want me to do? Where do you want me to be?” Another important part of pacing is prioritizing our personal time of prayer and Bible reading with God. This is what Paul means when he says in v6, must be first to partake of the crops. Meaning if we have not sowed in our personal lives in devotion, soon the fruits of the ministry will also wither away. All that we have to give to others in whichever area of ministry, we receive ourselves in our prayer closets (1 Corinthians 4:7). God is the source of every fruit (John 15:4), thus relationship with Him must take the front-seat before any ministry. As a farmer sows for himself as well when he plants, may we also sow in our spiritual lives and reap a hundredfold harvest.

“John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” –John 3:27 NKJV

Finally, hard work in the Bible is strongly connected to our faithfulness in the work and ministry that has been assigned to us by God (Luke 16:10, Matthew 25:23, Luke 19:17). Remembering that we are God’s co-workers (1 Corinthians 3:9), meaning God has given all the help, strength, wisdom, and boldness we need to do His kingdom-work. This help comes from the ever-present Holy Spirit in our lives (John 14:16) and also from a faith-filled community of God. 

Thus, as in the parable of talents in Matthew 25:14-30, let what God has assigned to us be used to multiply His glory and fulfill His will on this earth. Let us not be timid to shine the light within us, nor be lazy to use our talents. Let us also not procrastinate our answer to the Lord’s calling, lest we be caught unprepared at the Lord’s return as the foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). As Paul said toward the end of his life on earth, may we also, with all confidence and grace say: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 

–2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV

In conclusion, let us be devout as the good soldier, not letting the world or its troubles stop us from serving God. Let us lean on grace to finish the race as an athlete, and let us be humble and hardworking as a farmer to reap a multi-fold harvest in God’s kingdom! May God give each of us the grace and mercy to fulfill every part of His great and awesome plan for our lives. And as we meet Christ face to face on that Day, may we hear the faithful words:

“Well done good and faithful servant,

Enter into the joy of the Lord,

Rest in my embrace and know my everlasting peace,

Here is your crown of life.”(Revelations 2:10, James 1:12, Matthew 11:28, Matthew 25:21)