Above Reproach: Work Consistently

6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. 8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

11Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
13if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.

14Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
– 2 Timothy 2:6-19

“God’s servants are judged for their faithfulness, not their accomplishments… The sharper our swords or the more finely tuned the amazing computers of our brains; the more real is the temptation to think in terms of our accomplishments rather than of personal spiritual diligence and faithfulness.” (Liefeld, pg. 252)

Steve Prefontaine was a world renowned runner during the late 60s early 70s. Prefontaine is known for many things like being the first person to wear Nike shoes and holding multiple American records. At the start of a race, Prefontaine would sprint out to the lead, and run as hard as he could until his body would physically give out. He would often get caught at the end of races by competitors who took a more consistent pace from the beginning. In ministry, if you start with guns blazing but lose your fire from burn out, you are not useful for the kingdom. Instead, we should work consistently at a challenging yet comfortable pace that will allow us as ministers to have a long, faithful ministry.