Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved. – 2 Timothy 2:15
Social media has changed the way many people interact with each other. So often, they get caught up with the number of “friends” or “followers” they have on their page. They post things to get as much approval as they can – the more “hearts” or “thumbs up” they can get, the better. How often is this mindset applied to the Christian life? If God were on social media, would He “like” the postings you make that show how you are living your life?
In 2 Timothy 2, Paul encouraged Timothy to act in a way that God would approve of. The goal of Timothy’s ministry was not for him to win a popularity contest among the people in the church. Instead, he was called to be faithful to God and live his life in a way that was pleasing to Him. In addition, Timothy’s primary focus was not on presenting other people to God for approval. He was to be concerned first with his own character and conduct.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to be liked by others. However, if that becomes a driving factor in life, it can become a problem. Pay attention to where you are seeking approval. Ask God to help keep you focused on Him and to help you live a life that meets His approval. And in a nation whose basic structure relies on people’s approval and disapproval through their votes, pray for God to help America’s leaders place their focus on gaining His approval above anything or anyone else.
Today’s Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-7, 14-15
2 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
