Do you have a hobby of making things? Maybe you enjoy drawing or woodworking like I do, or maybe you like to crochet or bake or take photos. Making something as a hobby is always rewarding. Getting to see a final product, even if it’s not perfect, and say “I did that” feels nice. But I think for many of us there’s a dark side to those hobbies. We look at the imperfect thing we made and say “If only I had the right tools I could do it even better.” I have boxes of unused art supplies. I have woodworking tools collecting dust.

In reality it’s not about the tools at all, it’s about the time we spend doing the work. Practicing something makes you better at it. It’s the same with our work with the Lord; the work we do doesn’t need to be propped up by new tools and gadgets and exciting things. Our work just needs to be diligent!

Remind them of these things, and solemnly exhort them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene…

2 Timothy 2:14-17a

Let’s go at our work for the Lord this week feeling well-equipped and see how much more we get done!

Ethan Kirl

Originally Published November 17, 2022