By: John Ogden Sr

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV).

In this scripture, Timothy is instructed to study and present himself as approved by God. Studying the Word of God is connected with showing ourselves approved unto God. What does it mean to be approved?

A couple may date for months or years before they approve of being united in a lifetime commitment as husband and wife. Many people research items before making a purchase, and when they make the final purchase, they approve of it. To be approved by a college or school for graduation is to have studied, learned, and passed the coursework approved by that educational organization.

We realize that Jesus Christ approves of us as His children just the way we are. We are encouraged to grow beyond the baby stage, desiring the deeper things of God so that we may mature as Christians in order to help those who are newly born into the family. It is our new birth in Christ and our reading and studying of God’s Word that develops us to be the men and women God has called us to be. It is just as important for us as it was for Timothy to study God’s Word because this helps us to understand what God’s direction is for our lives.