Cut it straight ∙∙

Cut it straight ∙∙

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. – 2 Timothy 2:15

2 Timothy 2:14-17

 14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

 15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.

 17 This kind of talk spreads like gangrene . . ..

Individuals who have spent years perfecting their sewing skills develop remarkable talent and expertise. The journey to successful sewing doesn’t start with the needle and thread, but rather, it commences with the selection of the fabric to be sewn.

Mastering the art of cutting fabric straight is crucial and cannot be stressed enough. A misstep in the initial cut can lead to a complete disaster. Fabric pieces that are supposed to align may end up being different lengths, leading to twisted or uneven seams.

It’s essential to cut the fabric “on the grain.” It’s imperative to align the material correctly and identify the weft, which is positioned perpendicular to the selvage (the densely woven edge of the fabric that stops it from fraying or unraveling). Conversely, the warp runs at right angles to the weft. By gently tugging a thread line on the weft and then one on the warp, you can establish two straight lines at right angles to use as a guide.

All you need to get started is the fabric of your choice, a blueprint or pattern to follow, and a cutting instrument such as scissors.

The apostle Paul was a tentmaker by profession (Acts 18:2-3). It was his  “day job.” He had mastered the art and skills required. Tentmaking was not for the faint of heart. Neither is handling the word of God or being responsible for explaining it to others.

Paul admonished Timothy to rightly divide the word of truth. The Greek word translated as rightly divide is orthotomeo. Orthotomeo comes from orthos – straight and tomeo – cut. This is an old tentmaking term that literally means to cut straight. As a figure of speech, it means to interpret, analyze properly, teach correctly, or expound rightly. Much like fabric, the word of God also requires accurate and precise handling. This refers to correctly and accurately interpreting, teaching, or explaining the word of truth (UBS). There’s no room for incorrect cuts, shoddy work, personal views, opinions, or laziness.

The Greeks utilized orthotomeo in three distinct ways. It was employed to depict a straight road across uneven terrain, for plowing a straight, unswerving furrow in a field, and the meticulous work of a mason in cutting and positioning a stone so it flawlessly slots into a building’s framework. (Barclay).

Any child of the King who studies the Word of God with the intention of imparting or instructing others assumes a tremendous responsibility. It is not for the faint of heart. Nonetheless, it’s the responsibility of each of His children to share His truth with others.

Reflect for a moment on the teaching you offer others. Is it just “good enough?” And what about the instruction you have received? Is it merely “good enough?”

Paul is saying, “Good enough” is simply not good enough.

James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well” (Philip Stanhope, 1746).

Father thank You for the outstanding and excellent teachers You have provided me over my lifetime. May I do my best when I prepare and share the magnificent truths found in Your Word.

INSIGHT

The Father sets an exceedingly high bar for us. His standard is nothing short of excellence. Would He have established such a lofty benchmark if He didn’t believe we could achieve it? To ask the question is to answer it.

Regrettably, in modern culture, the importance of quality is often undermined and downplayed. There’s a pervasive attitude that paltry efforts are “good enough.” Yet the results are frequently haphazard and slipshod. The prevailing sentiment seems to be, “What does it really matter?” Against this backdrop, the children of the King should feel privileged to have a benchmark of excellence for which to strive.

Don’t be disheartened; instead, be encouraged. While achieving perfection is highly unlikely, excellence is doable. However, excellence requires focus, time, commitment, and practice. Ultimately, we stand or fall before the Father.  

Matthew 25:23 Well done, my good and faithful servant.

The Father presents numerous opportunities for personal growth and development. His challenges are not designed to condemn us. Instead, they pinpoint where we are and the necessary actions we need to take to improve. The ultimate objective is to gain His approval.

The Greek word dokimos, translated as approval or stands the test, pertains to things that have passed a test. For instance, a clay pot must endure the test of fire. It’s placed in a kiln, fired, and then inspected. If it had no cracks, it was approved for service and was stamped dokimos. Dokimos “describes anything that has been tested and is fit for service. For instance, it describes gold or silver, which has been purified of all alloys in the fire. It is, therefore, the word for money which is genuine” (Barclay).

But how do we achieve this? Paul provides us with guidelines, including what to do and what to avoid.

Paul urges us to be zealous and diligent. The Greek word spoudazo, translated as be diligent or work hard, emphasizes the effort required to attain excellence. It implies being diligent, earnest, eager, and making every effort to do one’s best.

We should steer clear of pointless disputes over words and refrain from engaging in worthless and foolish conversations.

There’s a strange thing about foolish and worthless words. They spread like gangrene. They’re akin to gossip, which many people relish hearing and sharing.

Proverbs 26:21-22

 21 Like charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious person to kindle strife.

 22 The words of a gossip are like delicious morsels; they go down into a person’s innermost being.

For the Father, the proper handling of His word, extracting the correct interpretation, and explaining it accurately are of utmost significance. Each of the Father’s servants will be either approved or ashamed. Therefore, be diligent, work hard, and make every effort to cut it straight.

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© Dr. H 2023