Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved. – 2 Timothy 2:15
Social media has changed the way some people interact with each other. It is enticing to focus on how many “friends” or “followers” they have on their page. Many will post things to get as much approval as they can – the more “hearts” or “likes” they receive, the better. How often is this mindset transferred to the Christian life? Do your social posts honor and glorify the Lord? Would He “like” what you publish about how you are living your life?
In 2 Timothy 2, Paul encouraged Timothy to act in a way in which God would approve. The goal of Timothy’s ministry was to be faithful to the Lord and live in a way that was pleasing to Him, not for him to win a popularity contest among the people in the church. In addition, Timothy’s primary focus was to be concerned with his own character and conduct rather than presenting other people to God for approval.
While wanting to be liked is natural, it becomes a problem when it turns into the driving factor in life. Review your motives and pay attention to where you are seeking approval. Ask the Lord to help you focus on Him and to live a life that meets His approval. In a political culture that relies heavily on people’s approval and disapproval through their votes, ask God to draw the hearts of governing officials to Him. Pray that they 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.
