An Approved and Unashamed Worker

2 Timothy 2:15

Published on: December 14, 2025

Last updated on: December 14, 2025

Photo by Ed Jarrett

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

Someday I will stand before my creator and give an account of my life here on earth (Rom. 14:12). Then I hope to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21). Or will the experience be a little more awkward?

Paul’s admonition here to Timothy, and to me, is to do my best to win God’s approval. Then, when I stand before Him, I will not need to be ashamed of my work. This is not a question of salvation; my salvation is not based on anything I do. Rather, it is a matter of living my life in a way that pleases God.

A Personal Challenge

The challenge for me is that I get so easily sidetracked into other things. Most of them are good, and some of them are important. But not all of them need to be done. And many of them actually keep me from doing what I should be doing. Somehow, I don’t suspect that God will be too impressed with how nicely I kept my lawn.

In addition, to stand approved by God, I need to be careful in how I handle the Bible, the word of truth. And that is especially so for one like me who teaches others what the Bible says. Am I faithful to its message, correctly understanding it and allowing it to shape my beliefs and my actions? Or do I try to make the Bible conform to my beliefs?

To be an approved and unashamed worker requires effort on my part, and a willingness to follow the Spirit’s lead. It requires me to submit to His leadership every single day. It requires me to say no to myself, and yes to Him. But can I do any less for the one who has created and redeemed me, and called me into a relationship with Himself?

Greatness in the Eyes of the Lord – 2 Kings 15:28, 34

When your life story is written, what will it say? That you did right in the eyes of the Lord? Or that you did evil in the eyes of the Lord?

What Is the Bible? – Doctrine 401

The Bible is a collection of writings with human authors, but inspired by God, truthful in its teaching, and authoritative for the believer.

Now That You Know These Things – John 13:17

Jesus taught his disciples many things. And his challenge is not to leave them in our heads. But now that we know, to put them into practice.

The Still Small Voice of God – 1 Kings 19:11-13

When we are at our lowest, God will whisper in our hearts. And the voice of God, if When we are at our lowest, God will whisper in our hearts. And that voice, if we will hear it, will challenge us to get back into the game.will hear it, will challenge us to get back in the game.

(This post was originally published on

April 11, 2018

)

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Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

1 thought on “An Approved and Unashamed Worker – 2 Timothy 2:15”

I so needed this.. I am scattered and all over the place. Thank you for this word!