Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

— 2 Timothy 2:15

In the first two decades of life, most people are students. The instruction we receive during that time provides us with the building blocks we need for a productive life.

As believers in Christ, we are also students. We need to learn God’s Word and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Savior. We need to absorb God’s Word continuously in order to be transformed by the power of his Spirit, who works in us and teaches us the truth and wisdom of God. On a daily basis we need to walk in step with the Lord and his Spirit, growing to know God and to share his love with others everywhere.

There’s a tale of a man on a stroll who hears a voice say to him: “Gather some pebbles.” Though he sees no one, the voice persists: “Gather some pebbles and put them in your pocket, and tomorrow you will be both glad and sorry.”

Intrigued, the man thinks, “Why not?” So he picks up a few pebbles and puts them in his pocket. The next day he discovers they have been transformed into diamonds. Then he feels gladness for taking some, and he is sorry for not taking more.

Similarly, our study of God’s Word may not reveal its benefits right away. Yet over time, nuggets of truth and wisdom will prove to be valuable treasures—blessing our lives in countless ways.

Lord and Teacher, guide us into your Word. May its truths transform our hearts and minds, that we may grow in your wisdom. Amen.