READING: Ecclesiastes 4-6, Psalm 125, 2 Timothy 2
I’ve lived in the world of theological preparation for almost 25 years. Our task is to help prepare students to rightly teach the Word of God, passionately share the gospel with others, faithfully disciple new believers, and sacrificially work to reach the nations. I’m grateful for my colleagues at two institutions, and I do believe we’ve done well in raising up trained ministers of the gospel.
On the other hand, I’m not convinced we’ve always given enough attention to helping students live godly lives. Too often, our approach has been reactive—that is, we respond with discipline when students break our institutional covenants—rather than proactive. We (and, frankly, churches, too) have given too little time and effort to help men and women walk with God. Consequently, we might at times be sending out graduates who miss the best God has for them.
Paul reminds us of the connection between personal holiness and ministry preparation with these words to Timothy: “So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Tim 2:21). If we want God to use us, we must eradicate the rebellion from our lives and choose to live daily with eternity in mind. We must pursue God and His truth if we want to be useful to Him.
PRAYER: “Show me, God, any need to turn from sin in my life. I want You to use me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ecclesiastes 7-9, Psalm 46, 2 Timothy 3