Devotional: Do Your Best

(Read 2 Timothy 1-2) “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15, NASB). This past weekend my wife and I attended my high school’s twentieth reunion celebration. I was delighted to see schoolmates and classmates. I graduated from high school in 1966 so it was our class 50th year. I saw classmates that I had not seen since the day we graduated. My classmates often remind me that they remember that in the fourth grade I said the “Gettysburg Address” by President Abraham Lincoln in front of the whole school. What an accomplishment! While this is a highlight in my life I often think about the times when I failed to accomplish what I could have and should have accomplished. What made the difference? Was it my ability? Was it having the opportunity? As I reflect I think that the single most important factor has been whether or not I did my best. Did I put forth my best effort? In 2 Timothy Paul writes to his protégé’ Timothy. Timothy is having a difficult time because of the opposition that he is facing in the church. In the church are persons who oppose the gospel that Timothy is preaching. Some oppose Timothy because of his age. Paul reminds Timothy of his pedigree; the faith history of his mother and grandmother (1:5). Timothy must remember that the gospel saved him. Therefore he must not be ashamed. Paul reminds Timothy that he will be rewarded if he continues in the faith. It is not easy to remain steadfast, but he cannot give up. He must press on. Timothy is to be diligent in his preaching. Regardless of the difficulties he is to do his best to be a worker approved by God by accurately handling the word of truth. Prayer: God of our weary years, God of our silent tears. You have kept us along our life’s journey. May your Spirit strengthen us; empower us; motivate us; guide us so that we can do our best to serve you through worship and ministry. Amen.