Need not be ashamed of what?

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

II Timothy 2:14-19

I think on a potential scenario, that has likely happened...

"I can't stand her."

"I know! Who does she think she is?"

"You know what? The only reason she got that job is because of her favors!" With their 'hyena like' gasps, it was followed by the ugly, head shaking judgement placed upon another person.

As I imagine the women's hateful words spewed out in a low whisper, revealing the sharp knife of hate, which permeated the atmosphere revealed this dark cloud of disgust and disdain for another human being.

The choice of their theoretical conversation causes me to lose my once roaring appetite...but then it brought me to a place of looking at my own life and asking myself, "Do I do the same thing?"

Today, as I read II Timothy 2:14-19, verse 15 stood out like it had never before, as I read in the context that Paul had written it specifically to Timothy.

Paul warned Timothy to remind EVERYONE to command them in God's name to stop fighting over words. He was urging them to realize that the arguments were useless, not profiting anyone and they were only ruining those who heard them. Then, Paul says, as recorded in verse 15, "Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed..."

The Holy Spirit stopped me.
Which led me to ask myself, "Need not be ashamed of what?"
Do I need not be ashamed of being a hard worker?

As I asked the question, revelation came! I began to see this scripture more clearly!

When I am a good worker, working hard so that God is able to approve me, I will not need to be ashamed of foolish talk or useless arguments. I always thought that it meant I didn't need to be ashamed of being approved unto God. However, it is more so that Paul was urging Timothy for the people to 'save face' from looking like foolish idiots, wrongfully representing Almighty God!


I am reminded today that when I focus on myself on being approved by God; I can take a hold of His heart and be ruled by His heart to love others because of His glorious strength through me. As His strength goes through me, my actions and the way I talk will follow, revealing my pursuit of who I want the approval from...and that is from My Father God, The Author and Finisher of my faith!

Comments

  1. So true Teresa, when we seek God approval above all others we find that is is really the only one that truly matters. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Teresa, i'm sorry I haven't been a faithful blog reader...you kind of lose track of what important in life, until you read post like this. And God here is what truly matters - just like Bernadine said.

    And I may add that GOD is testing us, big time. I'm happy to say that we know he has picked out our daughter for us who's still waiting in China - and we are so close now to getting a referral...we very well could be seeing Emma little face within 3 weeks, or for sure in 7 - what a great Christmas gift she will be.

    hugs,
    Sherri

    ReplyDelete
  3. Amen! This is beautiful, Teresa! I'm so glad God placed you in my life!

    I think of Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."

    May we all do what the scripture instructs so that we also remain blameless and unashamed!

    Thanks for always encouraging and loving with truth, beauty and grace!
    Bless you, sister! xo

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank you for stopping by...please feel free to follow me and post a comment ~ I'd love to return the favor!

Popular posts from this blog

God's Royalty Revealed In the Midst of A Verbal Slap

December 15, 2010, "Connecting Bridge"

Another Story of A Penny...