"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." — 2 Timothy 2:15
They handed me a diploma, and I cried.
Not because of the paper. Because of what it cost. The late nights with a flashlight when the power was out. The pages read through tears. The moments I wanted to quit because who was I to study theology? Who was I to think I could rightly divide the word of truth?
Imposter syndrome is real, beloved. Especially for women in ministry. Especially for those of us who did not grow up with theological vocabulary at the dinner table.
But Paul did not write 'study to show yourself approved unto people.' He wrote 'unto God.' There is a difference. People approve based on your background. God approves based on your diligence.
I studied because the students I preach to deserve a preacher who knows the Word. I studied because the girls who ask me hard questions about suffering deserve better than clichés. I studied because the calling on my life demanded preparation, not just passion.
Passion without preparation is just noise. But preparation without passion is just academia. God wants both: a workman. Someone who works. Someone who labors in the text until the text labors in them.
Rightly dividing the word of truth means handling Scripture with care. Not twisting it to fit your agenda. Not cherry-picking verses to win arguments. But cutting it straight, like a surgeon, so that it heals instead of harms.
If God has called you, He will equip you. But equipping requires your participation. Open the book. Do the work. Study like someone's eternity depends on your accuracy, because it might.
The diploma is paper. The approval is eternal.
I am a workman approved.
You are a workman approved.
We are workmen approved.