A GOOD WORKER

Soldiers - a good soldier knows what his leader desires, and he does his best to make it happen. Even when there is a battle raging all around and it's hard.

Athletes - in the same way, athletes know the rules of the game they are in. They follow those rules to be sure he is in the running to win the prize.

Farmers - farming is hard work. Farmers have to get up early and work late. They don't get days off. But they get to enjoy the results of their hard work when harvest time comes.

A Hard Worker

Paul encouraged his young friend to endure hardship like a soldier in battle, pay attention to the work of the ministry like a runner in a race. And he promised that, if he stayed faithful, he would enjoy the rewards of his hard work in the end. All because our God is faithful!

A good worker in ministry doesn't get caught up in foolish arguments. Foolish talk will lead to godless talk. And godless talk will lead to error. This is exactly how people in the church leave the truth of the gospel message and end up following lies.

A good worker runs away from things that cause lust in his life, and follows hard after things that lead him to do right.

A good worker is patient with all people, allowing God to have His way in changing their hearts.

Only God can change a heart - we can't, it's only by God's grace that any of our hearts have been changed and we've evaded the devil's trap.