About four years ago I was given my first-ever study Bible. You know the Bibles that are loaded up with reference notes, maps and commentaries.

 

Inside the cover my Pastor wrote “To David” with 2 Timothy 2:15  below. That verse says: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

 

At the time I don’t think I realized just how crucial this would be for me as I’m now working in ministry. But it applies to every single Christian because we’ve all been equipped to teach the Word of God in some capacity, just like Paul is to Timothy here.

 

This expression, “handling accurately” is used in other places to describe a tent maker who makes straight (not wavy) cuts in his material or a builder who lays bricks in straight rows or a farmer who plows a straight furrow.

 

In 2019 we have a lot of skillful communicators, but the Apostle Paul is saying that handling the Word of God accurately is even more important than winsomely presenting it. Let’s be students of God’s Word. Strive for accuracy; strive to be as one approved.