ODJ: a good worker

October 17, 2013 

READ: 2 Timothy 2:14-26 

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the Word of truth (v.15).

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” (v.16), which does not edify but leads only to more godless behaviour 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 (v.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. —Poh Fang Chia