Are You a Plodder?

Are You a Plodder?
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“…Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ.” (Colossians 1:7)

Have you ever heard of Epaphras? He was the pastor of the church at Colosse. Let me tell you what is missing in this verse. We are not told the size of his congregation, or the number in his youth group. We do not know if he had a cell group program or a traditional Sunday school. Churches in our day are evaluated and known by these things. We are only told one thing--he was faithful. His name was not known well in the ancient world. If Paul had not mentioned him, we probably would never have heard of him. Whether or not he was well known didn’t seem to matter to Epaphras; he remained faithful.

A faithful person is a plodder. Without much outside motivation, a plodder keeps moving each day, driven by their mission and the Word of God in their heart. A plodder does not become weary in well doing. Well doing is not sin; it is performing the same righteous tasks each day. Praying early in the morning, studying the Word daily, and looking for opportunities to witness are part of the everyday Christian life. Often after attending a powerful Holy Spirit meeting believers will be motivated to pursue these things, but soon the excitement from the meeting wears off, the motivation is gone, and they give up. A plodder appreciates special moments of inspiration, but these moments are not necessary to accomplish the daily will of God. A plodder prays, studies the Word, and looks for opportunities to witness because of his love for Jesus and the Word of God.

A Plodder Never Gives Up

We are told we will reap in due season if we faint not. A plodder is one who will not faint. He never seems to give up. Unlike many others, he does not gain great amounts of ground at one time. Yet, when others have given up and thrown in the towel, the plodder is still going.

Many begin the race. Beginning is easy. Finishing is difficult. Many who begin with a great burst of speed will never make it. They bask in the limelight of popularity, but when the popularity diminishes, so does their stamina. The plodder draws from the wells of inspiration he has in his own heart. He has developed a personal relationship with God and will continue whether anyone stands with him or not. He knows that God will never leave or forsake him.

The important thing is not who starts, but who finishes. Finishing is much more difficult. That is why many are at the starting line, but only a few cross the finish line. God is not so interested in how many begin with Him. He is more interested in how many finish. This is reserved for the plodder. Remember, the one who won the race was the tortoise, not the hare.

Bob Yandian