Approved by God

DEVOTION
2 TIMOTHY
APPROVED BY GOD
2 Tim 2:15
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.
NIV
I think it is interesting that I am to present myself to God rather than men as one approved, or acceptable as a workman, a laborer, a teacher. I think wonder how many believers endeavor to show themselves approved by men. Not that I want to offend anyone, but I only have to be approved by God. That is my only concern. As far as he is concerned do I handle his word correctly? Men can study all they want under the tutelage of other men and learn all sorts of handy tools for preparing properly constructed sermons, or methods of using illustrations in properly. They can learn from men who have been titled by other men as scholars or professors of bible studies the doctrines of one particular denominational belief, depending on which seminary or bible school they are attending. They can absorb all the knowledge of other men they want, but it is God who must approve them, not men. I study the word only for the approval of God. I think that is way my message is so unpopular. Many of my insights into the word do not agree with the ideas of other believers. I do not care. I know I have to divide the word correctly for the approval of God. If men disagree with me, that is their problem, not mine. I have to stand before almighty God and give an account of what I have instructed others about his truth. I will not be ashamed of what I have taught, preached or written in my books about his truth. I know I stand on the word of God, I stand on a firm foundation, I stand on the rock of my salvation. I know the Holy Spirit has led me into this truth. Are there other men who rightly divide the word? Sure, they must be others, I cannot be the only one, that I am sure of, but there are also others who do not. People, who seek to be acknowledged by men for their knowledge and understanding of the bible, who seek praise from men rather than from God, are on every corner. Meaningless accolades of men mean nothing to men. It is God and God alone who must approve what I profess as his truth. If I am wrong, I must give an account to him, but I know I am not wrong, I know I have been led by his Spirit into the truth he desires me to know. I have not learned from men, I have learned from God. I have not studied under men, but under God. Men may not approve me, but God has. That is my desire, to be approved by God.