Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15
Do 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.

Devotion
Today’s devotional verse is a short one but it is packed with meaning. Remember that this is Paul talking to Timothy who he is mentoring to be a pastor. But in many ways, we are all pastors (Matthew 28: 18-20, Ephesians 4:12, 1 Peter 2:5). Paul is telling all ministers (those who talk to friends and family members about the good news of Jesus) that we are to do our best. We may think about being the best at our jobs or the best parent or best spouse or best friend. But do we think about being the best at talking with others about Jesus?

Paul goes on to tell us why. So that we can present ourselves to God as approved, accepted, sent out. We have been given the Great Commission to make disciples everywhere. Our God, who loves us completely, has forgiven us of our sins and who gives our lives purpose, wants us to tell others about Him. We tell others because we love Him and we love others.

But these discussions with others invariably bring up questions about God and the Bible. I am currently working for the non-profit, Good Neighbors, to raise money to help homeowners in need of home repairs. When I talk to someone about Good Neighbors, they ask questions. How do you find these people? How do you decide who to help? Where does all this money go? I need to have some answers. Sometimes they ask questions that I don’t know the answer to. Then I have to tell them that I will find out and get back to them.

I need to be even more diligent in having some answers to the basic questions that people will ask me about my faith and about God. I am a workman for Good Neighbors and not ashamed of it and I am a workman for God and not ashamed of that also.

A workman is one who works at his job (call me Captain Obvious). We should be working to find answers for others and ourselves in the Bible. Our job is to “correctly handle the word of truth.” That is a big responsibility. I find it daunting! We don’t want to be misleading.

How can we start this “work” today? Read your Bible today with a study guide next to it. Pray asking for wisdom and understanding. Talk to a wise friend about questions you have. Listen to a past sermon by Christian. Ask a friend what questions they have about faith. As you do this, your faith will grow and you will find that you can minister to those that are hurting using the truth that comes from God.

Prayer
Dear God, use us for your purposes this week. Grow us in your word and your truth so that we can be ministers to others who need to hear about and experience your love. Help us to do our best for you.

Author: Brad Dunn