What matters in God's work is not hubris and flamboyance, but simple, consistent faithfulness and eyes on the ball.
If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you. For he is carrying on the work of the Lord just as I am.
Quiet But Faithful
If you combine this text with Paul's exhortation to Timothy, reminding him that God has not given us a spirit of timidity, clearly Timothy was not the exuberant sanguine breed. The picture is that of a quiet, timid, seemingly fearful persona. Yet Paul has all the good things to say about him.
What matters in God's work is not hubris and flamboyance. Simple, consistent faithfulness and eyes on the ball matter much more. Of course God can use the outgoing temperament if faithfully dedicated to Him.
But in my short stint in church management and ministry, I have come to learn, sometimes painfully, that what matters is not how glamorous a gift is, but simple faithfulness and consistency. This pedigree is the one that God uses to push His agenda and mission on earth.
