Word of the Year 2017

word of the year 2017

Some words are more about
becoming than doing.

 and my word for 2017 is definitely about becoming and realization.

Pursuing What Is Excellent -- Approved

“Approved” has a few meanings.
I could be seeking the approval of others; seeking to be approved.
But I’ve found that whatever it was that I did to get them interested is what I had to do to keep them interested.
That’s a tough gig if I’m not being my authentic self.
To be approved by man is not my aim.
I’m already approved by God, and that’s something that I still have to dust off and bring to remembrance! I’ll probably write about that at a later date also!

What I’m considering right now is 2 Timothy 2, but particularly 2:15-16:

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God,
a worker who does not need to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
But shun profane and idle babblings,
for they will increase to more ungodliness.

I’m especially mindful of these verses in the classic Amplified version.

15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.

16 But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.

I’ve talked to several friends about being more bold in my writing and how I hate that I shrink back because I feel so…”unlearned” and unqualified to teach the Word of Truth.
But it looks like God’s word gives us all instruction to!
I have no cause to be ashamed when Scripture is correctly handled. And you know, even then not everyone sees eye-to-eye. But, precept by precept the Lord reveals Himself!

Words like, “study, be eager, and do your utmost” are being, or becoming words.
How do we do that unless we study?
I’m using a few tools to help me do that this year!
The Holy Spirit is my teacher, counselor (John 14:26), and my guide (John 16:13).
Also, I’m starting the year out with studying Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin with Candace Crabtree as the host.

As you start your new year, have you written down spiritual goals for yourself?
What is God saying to your heart and how do you plan to be obedient?
Do you have a Word of the Year? I’d love to read about it!

Living to Worship Him,
Kela