Study to Show Yourself Approved
What counts is what you learn after you know it all. Harry Truman
It is interesting how we view certain things. We see nothing at all inappropriate with our kids practicing 10 to 15 hours a week as part of their athletic program. The reason is that we understand excellence requires hard work and we are delighted when our coaches demand such effort in order to make the team into something that we can be proud of. We all look back with fond memories on that English or math teacher who challenged us with excellence. We likely whined about the process at the time, but are now grateful that we had teachers who cared enough to make us put in the hard work necessary to become proficient at vital skills.
The point is that we can all readily see how important quality effort is for quality results. This is the reason that Bible study with the church is so vital if we are ever to become the type of servants that will be of any use at all to the Lord. So many people feel that God should just accept them as they are. That's fine, but would your coach accept that standard? Would your English teacher? Would your boss? Would you accept that standard for your children? The fact is that no one would accept a standard of sloth in any walk of life that is of any value, so why would we think that the Lord will accept sloth in His service.
Now, I am not suggesting that Bible study with the church is required for you to go to Heaven. I am suggesting, however, that adequate Bible study is. Whether we study exclusively at home or with the church as well is a matter that God has left up to us as we work out our own salvation. However, after over 30 years of serious Bible study at home and 50 years of Sunday School attendance, I can honestly say that studying on your own and with the church will give you the best chance at excellence. We are not attempting something of small consequence here, we are preparing ourselves for service to the Master. I wouldn't let my kids go out for the team if they were not willing to go to the practices, and I will not attempt to serve the Lord without adequate Bible study, both at home and with the church. Will you?
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed.
II Timothy 2:15, KJV
