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.

This is a verse I have written to numbers of people, because it is applicable to every believer. We are all responsible to deal honestly with the Word of Truth, and not twist it to fit our own agenda. Some are called to teach the Word, and that is indeed the context here, but every believer has received the Word, and as James said, if we fail to apply it, we are deceiving ourselves. (James 1:22) And when we realize we have done that, it is embarrassing at least! Every believer is to be hungry to receive God’s Word, but we are all too prone to fill our hearts with assorted junk instead, leaving no room to take in what God wants to say to us. That has only accelerated in recent years, with the constant electronic bombardment of the Information Age. I saw a video just yesterday about how China was a step ahead of the US in digital addiction, with people glued to their phones and not interacting with others face-to-face even 10 years ago, and right after that I read an article about how we need to be present with people and not constantly distracted, particularly in our interactions with children. Those were both in entirely secular contexts; how much more do we need to be present with God, taking in His Word and applying it fully? Past generations emphasized memorizing Scripture, which certainly has its benefits, but far more important is letting the Word get from our head to our heart, cleansing and empowering us, transforming into the likeness of the One who is the Word. (John 1)

Of course, since I am a Pastor/Teacher, this applies doubly for me. It is meaningless if I speak or write the Word to others and fail to apply it myself. They might be blessed, but in that case I’m no more than a hypocrite. As came up in our reading at the end of December, I don’t want anything in me to cause shame when the Lord returns. (1 Thessalonians 5:23) I am to keep looking into the Word and letting it shine into me, illuminating everything of which I need to repent and showing me how I am to be obedient and pleasing to my Lord. I’ve had a lot of the Bible in my head much of my life, but if I’m not living it out, that is merely a sham, deluding me into thinking I’m right before God when I’m not. I am to be a diligent workman, seeking God’s tasks for me and delighting in letting His strength and wisdom flow through me in doing them, for His glory.

Father, thank You for the privilege of growing up in a family that was steeped in Your Word. Help me be effective in sharing Your Word with all to whom You take me, so that they too may receive, repent, and believe for their salvation, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!