Daily devotion – How hard do we labour in the kingdom of God.
Work Hard at What Matters Most
A young preacher was having coffee with an older pastor. As they discussed Scripture, the younger man was impressed by the older pastor’s ability to quote passages and explain their context. Convinced there must be a special gift behind it, he said, “It must be easier for you—you probably have a photographic memory.”
The older pastor paused, leaned forward, and quietly replied, “No, I do not have a photographic memory at all. I simply work harder than you.”
That answer cuts through many of our assumptions. We often admire gifted people and conclude that their fruit came mostly from natural ability. We do it with athletes, musicians, teachers, and sometimes with mature Christians. Yet behind much visible excellence is invisible diligence.
AFL champion footballer, Gary Ablett Jr.,during his AFL Hall of Fame acceptance speech, described how he deliberately studied areas of weakness in his game. He watched players who excelled where he needed to improve, then practiced the details repeatedly until his performance changed. That is not passive talent; it is disciplined effort directed toward growth.
The Christian life contains a similar distinction. Salvation is by grace alone through faith in Christ. We do not earn acceptance with God. But spiritual maturity does not develop by drifting. Knowledge of God’s Word, wisdom, discernment, and usefulness in ministry grow as we surrender ourselves to the Lord and apply ourselves diligently to what He has given us.
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) — “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Notice the language: study, approved, workman, rightly dividing. Paul does not describe a spectator but a labourer. Yes, grace saves us; grace also trains us to live faithfully. God does not call every believer to the same role, but He does call every believer to diligence in the role He has assigned.
How can we improve and mature in our walk with God?
Read Scripture consistently, not merely occasionally.
Study context, not just favourite verses.
Memorize key passages, even if it feels slow.
Learn from faithful believers who are stronger where you are weak.
Practice obedience in specific areas rather than admiring truth from a distance.
Pray for dependence on the Spirit, because effort without surrender becomes pride.
Many believers are not limited by lack of potential so much as by lack of deliberate pursuit. The older pastor’s answer is uncomfortable because it removes excuses. Growth is not instantaneous, but neither is it accidental.
And there is one more lesson from Gary Ablett Jr.’s speech: after speaking about improvement and discipline, he gave glory, praise, and honor to Jesus Christ. The goal of Christian diligence is never self-exaltation. We work hard for His approval, for His glory, and for the good of His people.
Father, thank You that my salvation rests on Your grace and not my performance. Forgive me for drifting, for settling for spiritual immaturity, and for envying others instead of pursuing faithfulness myself. Give me a hunger for Your Word, discipline in study, humility to learn, and strength to obey what You show me. Make me a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. May all growth in my life bring glory to Jesus Christ alone. Amen.
2 Timothy 2:15 — “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”