II Timothy 2:15
In trying out the idea of life verses with the guys at our church’s Tuesday noon Men’s Lunch, they were more than willing to share some of the verses that had become the anthems for their lives. A verse that helped guide one of these disciples of Jesus came from one of Paul’s letters to the young pastor named Timothy:
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15
Paul, the old seasoned pastor, loved Timothy and his family. Paul knew Timothy’s grandmother and mother. They were women of great faith. And Paul told Timothy that someone from that great heritage would surely succeed as a disciple of Jesus. What was Timothy’s role? Do your best.
Sometimes we need a coach or a cheerleader on the sidelines to remind us to keep to the task. When one of my favorite football teams is facing a challenge in a game, the fans shout: “Come on Gators, get up and go!” (I have no idea what the coaches are saying to the team on the sidelines.)
Paul was Timothy’s coach and cheerleader. He had shared the gospel with him, and he wanted Timothy to share the good news of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ with his words and deeds. Paul’s cheer?
Do your best – to present yourself as one whom God approves, working well to handle God’s word with truth.
Do your best, and God and God’s people will keep cheering.
Wonderful God, I know that today is another day for me to get up and do my best. Help me to find the joy in living according to Your word of truth as I share Your love with all whom I meet. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.