2 Timothy 2: 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth (NASB).
This verse is a good reminder of how every year we must commit to work hard to become who God wants us to be. First, Paul instructs Timothy to “be diligent.” That meant Timothy needed to be ready to work, and he needed to make haste in that readiness. There is a sense of urgency that needs to be initiated from one’s self. Timothy was asked to hurry to take initiative in order to present himself to God. “To present” means to show up and be ready to take orders. To be present is not just being there, but rather being there in order to make a difference. “Approved” means that there are certain requirements that need to be in order. People who wear uniforms understand this concept. They don’t just show up in any fashion, they have to respect the uniform. “To God” means that the approval we need is God’s and not man’s. Sometimes we forget this. Timothy as a young Gospel preacher needed to be reminded that he serves God and His people, but more than anything, he needed the approval of God.