Society today is rife with people who do shoddy work. We must ever be alert to tradespeople who provide an inferior product or fail to do what they promised. Sadly there are many who take no pride in the quality of their work. Such people want the maximum pay for the minimum effort.
Tragically, some Christians take the same approach in their service of God. They are careless in their handling of God’s word. They do not carefully think through the great doctrines of the faith. They don’t examine their character and behavior to ensure they reflect positively on their Lord. They do not hone their skills in their service of the King. They assume that any half-hearted, sloppy, careless service is better than nothing. It is not.
Paul urged young Timothy to strive to be the best servant of God that the Holy Spirit could make him to be. That meant striving to be his best at everything he did for his Lord. It especially required him to study and know God’s word so he could wield it accurately and effectively.
Servants who fail their master or who are exposed as having been careless in their duties will face shame. Yet those who serve their master well will exult in being told, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Strive to prepare yourself spiritually, academically, physically, and spiritually, so you gain the approval of your King for every effort you make on His behalf.