The Profitable Worker

Christians are blessed to have the word of God preserved for us, the Bible translated into a language we speak and can hold in our hands.  A great wealth of information can be gleaned from those who have gone before us as we are guided by the Holy Spirit to discern and proclaim the truth.  Like the children of Israel during decades in the wilderness rose early to gather their daily portion of manna, we can open God's word and gather a spiritual feast for our souls.  We have learned man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

The purpose of eating food is more than enjoying flavours, textures or feeling satisfied by filling our bellies:  it is to provide necessary nutrition for the overall health and well-being of our bodies.  One reason why we are discerning to eat a balanced diet is so the whole body will benefit, not just our taste buds.  Drinking water may not be our favourite flavour, but it does promote the health of our body.  There are foods or drinks we choose to avoid because they are detrimental to our health.  When we open God's word to read and study it, it is vital we do so in a profitable manner so our personal lives and the Body of Christ will benefit.

Paul made it clear not all study had beneficial results as we see in 2 Timothy 2:14-16:  "Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. ¹⁵ Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ¹⁶ But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness."  When we are contentious and divisive over controversial doctrines or passages, it is of no profit to anyone.  Instead of edifying and building each other up by faith in Jesus Christ, such striving can lead to our ruin.  How many people have been lifted up with pride by their knowledge like the Pharisees who would not even acknowledge their sin or need for salvation by Jesus?  We are to be diligent to present ourselves approved of God as we rightly divide the word of truth--not seeking the approval of men.

Even as unbelief in God prompts us to ask the wrong questions, we Christians can exert more effort to prove others are in the wrong rather than submitting to God ourselves.  We can straddle our hobby-horses and spend our energy running around trying to get others to affirm our points or agree with our view, and what does it profit?  It pits people in the church against one another; it causes division and discord that God hates.  Sound, biblical doctrine well-applied will result in godly living as Paul later wrote in 2 Timothy 2:22-24:  "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ²³ But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife."  As we labour in the word of God, let us be diligent to present ourselves approved to God without generating contentions or strife with others.

People's dietary choices or even the version of scripture they prefer can be a touchy subject, but let us avoid foolish and ignorant disputes in our gatherings, families and friendships.  Let each be convinced in their own mind according to the liberty God has supplied us by His grace outlined in the scripture.  In our study and lifestyle may we pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace united with those who seek the LORD.  There will be temptations to enter into foolish and ignorant disputes, and it is a shame for all who entertain them.  Those who rightly divide the word of truth will recognise these doubtful disputes and avoid them by God's grace.