“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NLT).
There are so many voices vying for our attention. To whom do we listen? Whose approval should we seek? The apostle Paul advised the young pastor Timothy to focus on God’s approval. He told him to be diligent to work for the Lord, studying to hear His voice and please Him above all others. This rightly required “shunning” (2 Tim. 2:16) voices that competed with or spoke contrary to God’s Word. He told Timothy to work at the study and teaching of God’s Word like a tentmaker who cuts straight the thick camel hides of his craft, rightly dividing the Scriptures. Don’t water it down. Cut it straight!
This is still good advice for today. Work hard to fulfill the calling God has on your life. Focus on it. Live for the approval of God, not the applause of man.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we desire Your approval. May You delight in us as we offer ourselves as living sacrifices to You. May You be glorified in our lives today as we seek to please You above all others. In Jesus’ name, amen.