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.
One of my life’s ambitions has been to handle the Word in a way that honors the Lord. It is His Word, after all. A large part of that has been living a life that is consistent with what the Word teaches. It does little good to have a great head knowledge of the Word, but not let the Word change the way I live. I don’t want to be a white-washed tomb like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. I want the Word to work deep into my spirit. There are areas of my life where I still grapple with sin. Everyone has those battlegrounds. And the map of those battlegrounds is unique for each person. There are many common elements, but the exact arrangement of trouble spots is unique. Mine have certainly changed and shifted over the years. That is part of the maturing process. I think many of the trouble spots have shrunk, causing me less problems than when I was younger. I am more concerned about my old age than when I was younger. And that concern is not always a godly concern. I even worry sometimes about losing those I love. As a pastor I have taken my responsibility of being an under-shepherd seriously. I care deeply for those with whom I serve. I work very hard at communicating God’s Truth in a meaningful and relevant manner. I am God’s workman. I am on His project, not my own. How about you? Is your life consistent with what you know of the Word? How much of the Word do you know for yourself? How much have you personally grappled with the Truth? Isn’t it time you got serious about reading God’s Word for yourself?
The Arnold Journey 