Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (HCSB)
Due diligence is a term that refers to reasonable steps taken by a person in order to satisfy a legal requirement, especially when buying or selling something.
While due diligence is important for ensuring financial security and other things, it’s even more vital when it comes to God’s Word. As believers, He is to be the highest and ultimate authority in our lives, and we are to honor Him by being diligent to present ourselves approved before Him. Throughout Scripture, we see the importance of seeking our ultimate approval from the Lord, as well as the importance of teaching His Word correctly.
To be diligent is the opposite of having a laid-back or cavalier attitude. It means that we are willing and ready to work hard. When Paul wrote his letter to Timothy, he was writing to people who were facing persecution. They needed to realize the importance of Scripture and that God’s work would not always be easy. Despite challenges, they were to work hard for God and seek His approval alone.
As student leaders, you’ll face parents and students who may be opinionated and make demands. It is crucial to keep in mind that as a leader, you are ultimately accountable to the Lord.
When we are correctly studying, applying, teaching, and proclaiming His truths, then we can stand before Him without fear or shame. In 2 Corinthians 5:10, Paul reminded us that we will all stand before Christ for judgment one day and receive what is due to us. How we treat and handle God’s Word today will have positive or negative repercussions for us on judgment day.
The last part of verse 15 focuses on how we are to correctly teach the word of truth. The word of truth refers to God’s Word and some translations render it “rightly dividing the word of truth.” One of the primary ways God communicates with us is through His Word, therefore we are to treasure it and teach it correctly. These are not just suggestions, but critically important instructions Paul included in his letter to Timothy. God’s Word is to guide and direct our steps. We are not to take the Bible lightly, but to be careful, thoughtful, and complete in our study and teaching of His Word.