Desire for God's Approbation
H. L. Hastings. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. "If you were an ambitious man," said a person one day to a minister of talent and education, who was settled in a retired and obscure parish, "you would not stay in such a place as this." "How do you know that I am not an ambitious man?" said the pastor. "You do not act like one." "I have my plans as well as others — the results may not appear as soon, perhaps." "Are you engaged in some great work?" "I am; but the work does not relate to literature or science. I am not ambitious, perhaps, in the ordinary sense of the term. I do not desire to occupy the high places of the earth, but I do desire to get near my Master's throne in glory. I care but little for popular applause, but I desire to secure the approbation of God. The salvation of souls is the work He is most interested in, and to the successful prosecution of which He has promised the largest rewards." (H. L. Hastings.) Parallel Verses KJV: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. WEB: Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.