“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV). The expression, “be diligent” in this passage translates a single Greek word that occurs eleven times in the New Testament. The term means, “do your best,” “earnestly endeavor,” “make every effort,” or “strive.” We can really come to appreciate the word more when we examine its use in other contexts.
- “Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do”(Galatians 2:9).
- “Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).
- “But since we were torn away from you, brothers for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face” (1 Thessalonians 2:17).
- “Do your best to come soon” (2 Timothy 4:9) and “Do your best to come before winter” (4:21).
- “Let us therefore strive to enter that rest…” (Hebrews 4:11).
- “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure…” (2 Peter 1:10).
- “Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace” (2 Peter 3:14).
Now let’s put these thoughts together. Out of loving devotion to God and the riches of His grace and a desire to please Him, we—
Diligently look and study Scripture for guidance and strength,
Remember the poor,
Eagerly seek to maintain the unity of the Spirit,
Deeply look forward to seeing our brothers and sisters,
Make every effort to reach out in fellowship,
Strive to enter the promised rest of heaven,
Show earnest effort to make our calling and election sure,
AND
Deeply desire to be ready when Jesus comes!
Now that’s making the kind of effort that honors God!
Mike Vestal
