2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
I was thinking about all the tools in my garage. I can’t go into a hardware store without singular focus or there’s no telling what I will walk out with. I have saws, drills, sanders, pliers, screwdrivers, caulk, nails, hammers, the list goes on and on. My problem is, I’m not very skilled at using those tools.
As I was thinking of that, I made a direct correlation of that scenario to my Christian walk. The Father has provided everything I need in His word to live the life He has called me to live as a follower of Jesus Christ. I am fully equipped… but am I prepared? I can read scripture all day long but unless I apply it and allow the Holy Spirit to change me… I am ill-equipped to be of much use for God’s kingdom.
I have the image of the soldiers of medieval times with their full body armor. They had all the equipment they needed, but if they just strapped it on one day and went to battle without ever previously using that armor… learning to walk and fight under the weight and learning to endure the heat the would naturally come from wearing it… then they would fail miserably and likely lose their life in battle.
Thus can be scripture in the life of a believer. If we don’t apply it… practice it… and become complete through it, then it is of little use. We are equipped because we have the tools we need in scripture…. much like I have in my garage; but do we practice it enough to accomplish the “good work” God has called us to?
God has given us what we need. Let’s be faithful to take in what He has given and let scripture change us so we are complete, equipped, AND prepared for every good work.