2 Timothy 2; Jeremiah 7-8; Psalm 122

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.” (2 Timothy 2:15-16 NKJV) 

It’s easy to get sidetracked in our service to God. Discussions among church members could go off on flights of fancy – yes, even the early Christians could chase rabbits. Proclaiming the gospel in the marketplace could be interrupted by off track questions or the desire to set non-Christian speakers right, or even worse, Christians spouting wrong doctrine. Paul used numerous examples of people needing to stay on track earlier in this section; here he goes straight to the heart of the matter. Focus on your life as God’s spokesman. When he says “present yourself approved to God,” he’s reminding Timothy that his main responsibility is to God. That responsibility includes, mostly, staying true to God’s message of love, grace, and salvation. 

It IS easy to get sidetracked in our modern times. You’ve probably seen the joke about the guy who stayed up until 2:00 AM because there was someone out there on the internet and they were wrong. It’s easy to get into discussions on social media that sidetrack us from our purpose and it may seem like a good idea. That being said, I don’t know anyone who’s come to Jesus because the Christian won the argument. I’m guessing that more people will come to know Jesus when Christians show God’s love to others. We should never tell or affirm untruths, but we can turn the conversation to God’s grace, forgiveness, and love. Were my work presented to God for His approval, I’d never be ashamed for working too hard to show His love to others.

Lord, help me stay true to Your word while always showing Your love to others.