I was 16 when I first discovered The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer. I re-read it recently and my soul was refreshed in a new way. Oh, how I wish I could write like Tozer, with such depth of insight and deft use of words!

Tozer entered the ministry without high school or college education. He trained himself over years of diligent study and prayerful seeking of the mind of God. With no teacher but the Holy Spirit and good books, Tozer became a theologian, a scholar, and a true wordsmith in the use of the English language.

His life reminds me of the truth found in today’s Scripture reading. First, Tozer lived out what it means to be a good worker, “one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). What did Paul mean when he wrote “work hard”? (v.15 NKJV). Some Bible translations render those words as “study.” It’s been said of Tozer: “He determined to memorize many sections, and succeeded. He wore out many copies as he read and reread the Book.”

Second, Tozer endeavored to be a special tool for honorable use by God. How does one do that? Paul gave the answer: “Keep yourself pure” (v.21) by fleeing youthful lusts and pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace.

Tozer wrote, “The Bible . . . is a means to bring [people] to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts.”

Let’s continue to pursue God in purity and with hard work. He can use us to reach and train others.