Practice Living Right
2 Timothy 2: 15
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Diligence is a requirement for excellence. We live in a fallen world, and we learn from pain and errors. So when we study the word of God, there are many things that can go wrong in our understanding and our ability to live it. That is why we should pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us “into all truth,” (John 16:13) and give us the will and power to make right choices in life. Living the life of Christ is not just a Sabbath event. It is not something that is played out in front of those who see us one day out of every week. The choice to be diligent in keeping our Christian principles has to be made every morning and renewed with every encounter. This is what the word “study” (verse 15) actually means: endeavor, diligence, labor, to be prompt or earnest. All these words imply eagerness. We should be eager to learn of the Lord and apply His word to our lives. Sincerity and determination to represent God well has to be applied to every step of our day, and every choice we make. Reading and living the word of God will give us the understanding we need to “rightly divide” (dissect, explain accurately) what the word of God says.
Dove of the Holy Spirit (ca. 1660, alabaster, Throne of St. Peter, St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
So, when we study to show ourselves approved unto God, we actually sit and study the word of God, and after reading and meditating on the word of God, we are to be diligent in living it. We are to be like Jesus, who according to scriptures is “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens” (Hebrews 7:26). Only then will our light so shine that the people around us “will see our good works and glorify our Father which is in Heaven (Matthew 5:16).”
Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
– Verneda
© 2012 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
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