2 Timothy 2:15 – Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (NIV)

Ruby is an Irish Setter. Setters are tall dogs with long legs. At five months of age, some days, Ruby's long legs cause her a great deal of trouble. She careens around corners, ending up on her side with four lanky legs flying out in every direction. She leaps from the bed, landing in a tangle of legs. She races across the field tumbling head over heels into the grass. Yet, she keeps running and leaping and forging ahead.

Regarding the handling of God's Word, like many of us, I often feel like Ruby. Whether through writing or speaking, handling the Word of God can make us feel clumsy and inadequate. Its truths are unfathomable, and seeking to explain the depths of them to others can be a formidable task. Understanding the Word and passing it on correctly to others, however, is not something that we are called to do on our own. Jesus told us:

John 16:13 – But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (NIV)

The Holy Spirit enables and equips God's people. He reminds us of the truths that we already have learned, "the word planted in you, which can save you." (James 1:21b NIV) As we continue to study God's Word, He is also able to open our hearts and minds to new depths of truth that we have yet to learn. He also strengthens us, for as Paul wrote, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13 NIV)

Therefore, much like Ruby, we must continue to forge ahead when it comes to passing along the Word of truth to others. We may be clumsy as we seek to do so, but as we continue to do our best to present ourselves to God "as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth", through the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us, that is exactly what and who we will become.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your Word and for giving it to us, not only for our own growth and salvation but also to pass on to others so that they, too, may come to know You and live the abundant life. May each of us seek to forge ahead, even amidst our clumsiness, knowing and trusting that as we do so, our attempts will be used by Your Holy Spirit to grow and mature both us and those with whom we share the Word. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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