Present Yourself as a Worker – 2 Timothy 2
“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.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Rosie the Riveter
During World War II, the American government rolled out what became possibly the most successful ad campaign in history. The centerpiece of this ad campaign was a character named Rosie the Riveter. There were print ads and even a song, calling the women of the country to step up and join the workforce.
The men were fighting overseas and factories and manufacturing plants had employee shortages that were crippling the military effort and everyday life here at home. Women answered the call and filled the empty spaces, building planes, cars, processing food, and much more. This willing worker attitude stemmed from an ability to see purpose in the changes it would bring to their lives. 2 Timothy, chapter 2, also talks about willing workers.
“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 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. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” 2 Timothy 2:1-7
In His Strength
Just a reminder: the work that God calls us to is not through our own strength! We don’t have to muscle through life. We are strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. God calls us, empowers us, and gives us direction for how we are to accomplish His purposes. We just have to be willing – like Rosie the Riveter!
Remember who He is
“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;if we are faithless, he remains faithful—
for he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:8-13
We can tap into the power of the Jesus’ resurrection. He is all-powerful and always faithful. His Word is not tied up and restricted but is powerful, living, and active.
Devotion in Action
“Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 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. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:14-21
God has created us for a purpose. Our job is to present ourselves as workers who are willing to do what He tells us. Sometimes we spend all our time talking about what God says or arguing with unbelievers on social media. This passage reminds us that God is calling us to devotion IN ACTION not argument.
Kind and Gentle Workers
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:22-26
Kind to everyone. That alone could make most of us repent and drop to our knees. Do we approach others with gentleness and truth? Do we present ourselves to God as willing workers with pure hearts.
2 Timothy 2 challenges us to a life of devotion to God that springs into action at His command. We work for His kingdom, no matter what our occupation is. We step out of our comfort zones like the women who responded to the Rosie the Riveter ad campaign.
2 Timothy 2 Action Step:
Are you a willing worker? Sometimes I look around and want other people’s assignments. I want God to call me to something different because I feel like I am not good enough or I feel uncomfortable doing it. I need to present myself as a willing worker, ready to jump into action rather than arguing with others.
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2 Timothy 2 Prayer:
Dear God, Help me not to spend our lives on empty words and arguments, but to present ourselves as willing workers to do Your will. Give us courage to step out of our comfort zones and into Your power. In our weakness, You show Your strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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