Approved!

Approved!.

2 Timothy 2:15 AMPC

[15] Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.

As we come to the end of another year, it is important that we take stock of how far we have come, as well as the journey ahead. For those who have come to know Christ as Lord and Saviour, the call is different from those who are yet to know Him. The focus will be different because the foundations for both sets of people are different. Paul, writing to his son in the faith, Timothy, reminded him of the call of God upon his life. The message in the verse above is not just for everyone, but for those who have found the grace that is only available in Christ. As Paul made clear to Timothy, so is he making it clear to those of us who are reading it today: there is work to be done by those who seek to make impact for God. I do not earn God's approval by effort but be sure that a demand for excellence and dedication will be placed on anyone who has received the grace of God. That is the start point: have you responded to the grace that has been freely given by God? 

The work that is demanded from me is that I must study. Study takes time, dedication as well as effort and commitment. There will be distractions to deal with, as well as people who think it is a waste of time. There will also be temptations to seek the easy way out of the commitment required for the assignment but for all who have experienced the benefits and blessings that come from this single minded focus on God's word, you know that there is no other way but to spend time with God and His Word. The Word of God is the revelation of His purpose and plan for the world, as well as His guide to all of life. There is no dimension of life's experiences that the Word of God has no answer for. The Word of God prepares me the right way for all the experiences that will come my way. God uses the Word to equip me with all I need to stand tall in the face of trials and tough times. It is like a workman who is given the right tools to succeed.

The workman has a choice: use the right tools and succeed, or ignore the right tools and end up messing lives up. We live in a world that is increasingly becoming hostile to the Truth, and men are increasingly becoming itchy to hear only what makes them comfortable. The right application of the Word of God will lead to the right results that line up with the plan and purpose of God. God will hold me responsible for whatever I do with the Word of God. Loves are waiting to be impacted, and God's model of impact has to line up with the Word. By right teaching, men's lives are changed to align with God's purpose. By right teaching, the standards of God are laid out and made clear. My personal experiences are God's tools in shaping the lives of all those who come in contact with me, because I have also been touched by God. Please do not seek to change lives without an inner impression. Do not focus on men's applause at the expense of God's approval. He waits on us; would you be available for the work that lies ahead? God's time of favour is here.