Timothy, my dear son, be strong with the special favor God gives you in Christ Jesus.  You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others.
Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  And as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army.  Follow the Lord’s rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize.  Hardworking farmers are the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.  Think about what I am saying. The Lord will give you understanding in all these things.

2 Timothy 2:1-7 (NLT)

For the next five weeks, we are going to be reviewing our mission as we stated a couple years ago: We exist to drive back the darkness with the light of God’s love. In the last two years, we have seriously worked in accordance with this statement by joining our community through partnerships with neighboring schools and apartment buildings.  The work has been hard.  The rewards, as we often measure them in increased church attendance, baptism, and a growing budget, have been slow at best.  Currently, we are discussing changes in program that more accurately reflect our philosophy of ministry which makes the time ripe for conflict.  So, why bother?

In writing Timothy, a pioneer pastor in the first century, the apostle Paul charged Him by the authority of God to “be strong.”  All too often in our culture we think of church in terms of “softness”, not “strength.”  We desire soft seats, soft lights, soft sermons, and soft food (preferably Krispy Kreme).  In reality, those things are not evil and can, in fact, create an inviting atmosphere for those who are testing the waters of Christianity and for Christ followers in community with each other.  However, the work to which we are called is just that; work!

Developing other Christ followers to develop other Christ followers is the work of teaching and modeling.  While beliefs are often taught, faith is most often caught.  Both are work!  No wonder Paul called Timothy to endure the pain of suffering in this task.  Stay focused like a soldier wanting to please His commander, disciplined like an athlete training for a victory, and patient like a farmer anticipating his crop.  We would be considered deranged if we thought of these tasks as being easy or painless!  Are we considered any less deranged if we think of …driving back… any less difficult or painful?

“Driving back the darkness…” is work!  It is the work of purifying our lives so that the light of God shines through us.  It is the work of serving others so that the light within us invites people to praise our Father.  It is single-minded, routine, day after day, month after month, year after year, work!  No wonder Paul told Timothy, “Be strong!”

Are you being strong?  If so, how is God’s grace sustaining you?  If not, why not?