Do you think God views you as a good worker? This is a difficult question to answer. Some of us feel that we could never be good enough to deserve such a commendation; others confess that seeking His approval is not exactly our priority. Moreover, it’s easy to be unduly modest or self-deceptively positive. So, how do we even begin to assess ourselves correctly?
Thankfully, the apostle Paul gives us an objective standard by which to measure ourselves in 2 Timothy 2:15. He defines a good worker as “one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the Word of truth.” Though Paul’s teaching is addressed to a pastor, it applies to all believers as well. We need to be a diligent student of God’s Word, interpreting it in a sound manner and proclaiming it without dilution or distortion. Every believer is responsible to teach, rebuke, correct, and instruct other believers with God’s Word—be it to large audiences, small groups, or in individual discipleship.
Having said that, Paul warns that we must avoid “worthless, foolish talk” (2 Timothy 2:16), which does not edify but leads only to more godless behavior and undermines the faith of others. William Barclay explains, “The aim of all Christian discussion and of all Christian action is to bring people nearer to one another and to God.” At the end of the day, our aim is not to win arguments. We’re channels only; God is the agent of change (2 Timothy 2:25).
Are we ready to explain the Word of truth correctly in this world—a place of great confusion and lack of understanding of God’s moral laws? Our answer will determine if we’re good workers.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 7:30-60
More:
Read Isaiah 50:4-5 for the secret of how you can be a person with a truthful word to encourage or build up others.
Next:
If God were to appraise you as His worker, what would He say? How can you “work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval”? (2 Timothy 2:15).
tom felten on October 17, 2013 at 8:45 am
Poh Fang, as I read today’s post, I was reminded that our aim as believers in Jesus is to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We need God’s truth—His Word—to guide us and give us wisdom. But if we don’t present it in love, we’re simply “a noisy gong or clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1).
Tom Kopper on October 17, 2013 at 9:54 pm
If we argue among each other, then how do we expect those on the outside listen to us. We as Christians should not add tot he confusion that is already in the world. We need to truly love each other so that it will bring glory to the Father, and help draw more people to Him.
tom felten on October 18, 2013 at 9:18 am
Good thoughts, Tom. What you wrote reminds of what Paul penned to the church at Ephesus: “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).
daisymarygoldr on October 21, 2013 at 2:31 am
Good post and questions, Poh Fang! “Work hard” does not imply doing excessive amount work. It means to patiently persevere like hardworking farmers (2 Timothy 2:6). I have seen farmers toil from dawn to dusk under the scorching sun, soaking rain and through the fiercest storms.
Sowing the seed of God’s Word is not an easy task. Those who work in their own strength, soon give up when subjected to unfavorable conditions of opposition or persecution. But those who labor in the Lord, don’t burn out while working hard because it is not we but God who works through us (1 Corinthians 15:10)
In striving to be politically correct, many have twisted scriptures to their own destruction and have also destroyed the faith of others. However, as you rightly pointed out, a good worker correctly explains the word of truth and will not be ashamed. An approved worker continues standing for God’s truth in the face of erroneous doctrines of science, philosophy or humanistic psychology. Obviously, he is not here to win the approval of people, but of God. (Galatians 1:10).
In his concluding note, Paul reiterates the necessity of constantly preaching God’s word: “Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2 Amp).
We cannot assess and declare ourselves to be good workers. For, it is not the one who commends himself is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. (2 Corinthians 10:18).