Have you ever stood in a bookstore or searched on Amazon for that one self-help book that was going to give you the “magical formula” for success? Whether it be in business, parenting, dating, fitness, finance, etc., I have read and learned from many of them. However, I have discovered that studying and knowing God’s word is the ultimate source of “self-help.” It provides the foundation of faith that allows you to be confident in your purpose, resilient to temptation, discerning of false teaching, strong in adversity, and effective in sharing the Gospel.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
These poignant words from 2 Timothy stir my heart with gratitude for the heroic ministry of the apostle, Paul. In this short book of the Bible, Paul writes a letter to his ministry companion, Timothy, while in prison awaiting to die at the hands of King Nero. His final words outline instructions for serving and in this passage, his message is clear – God’s word will equip you for ministry. Paul suffered greatly for the sake of the Gospel, yet he remained resolute discipling with total reliance on the truth of God’s promises.
As we forge ahead together in ministry, I encourage you—my sisters in Christ—to stay connected with God’s word. It is His roadmap for us. The enemy is poised to take you off course with the temptations of culture, thus turning your eyes on selfish desires rather than Godly assignments. So yeah, go ahead and “wash your face,” but rely on the true compass that leads you to your divine calling… READ YOUR BIBLE!