“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)
My husband and I love the timeless sitcom, “The Andy Griffith Show’. Andy and Barney often went fishing in a simple rowboat with wooden oars on Myers Lake. It fit their purposes for the journey they were taking. A fun day fishing with Andy’s son Opie. That simple boat could never take them over stormy waters. They needed serious and better equipment!
All Scripture is inspired by God. The red lettering highlights Jesus’s words, though all content is inspired by the Holy Spirit. It serves to teach us what is true (doctrine), showing what is wrong (reproof), correcting behavior (correction), and training in right living (instruction in righteousness). For the Believer to make us (complete/mature) and “thoroughly furnished” (fully equipped) for good works. It is intended to be a practical, daily guide for living.
This scripture reveals what God’s Word can do if you give it top priority in your life. There is no replacement for what God’s Word can do in you and for you!
The phrase “thoroughly furnished” means to completely deck out or fully supply. It was used to depict a ship that had previously been ill-equipped for traveling; but because its owner had decked it out with new equipment and gear, this ship had become thoroughly furnished to sail anywhere in the world. This boat was fully supplied, completely equipped, or thoroughly furnished.
Paul uses this word to describe how we are not prepared to set sail in life until the Word of God has done its work in our hearts and souls. When we first come to Jesus, we are like a simple boat with wooden oars. Just beginners who hardly know what to do in life. Yes, we are saved and on our way to Heaven, but we haven’t had enough of the Word placed in us to be fully equipped through all kinds of weather and at times strong storms in our life. To make it to your destination, you will need to be fully supplied and thoroughly furnished.
“For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end (hope and future). Jeremiah 29:11.
When a Believer never or infrequently reads the Word of God, and barely if ever, meditates on the truths of the Word, and doesn’t regularly renew his mind with the Word of God, he is living a life similar to a simple boat with the wooden oars on a little lake. Playing it safe. You may be able to make it across a little lake, living a quiet, never bothering nobody, mind my own business, or trying to be a good Christian person. But you will lack VICTORY, navigating the storms across the sea of life you will encounter. You will need major equipment. Which is given when you make the Word of God a priority in your life to work in your heart, mind, and soul.
So, you have a choice. How far do you want to go in life?
If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are on your way to Heaven, yes. However, limiting God’s influence in your life may constrain what He intends to accomplish for and through you. God has AWESOME plans for your future and can restore the time lost due to failures, doubt, or loss. He is capable of repairing the consequences of your poor choices, confusion, and misunderstandings. Personally, I have witnessed God restore relationships in my life and guide me away from unproductive associations. I’ve been saved and walking closely with God for over 53 years now, no matter what my age, I’ve seen God do miraculous things. He wants to do that in your life too!
So, my friend, with God’s Word fitted tightly in place in your heart and mind, you will be ready to set sail and follow wherever the Holy Spirit leads. I don’t want to get to Heaven, and Jesus show me all I could have had if I had trusted Him. HE PAID TOO GREAT A PRICE FOR THAT! I want to live and receive all God has for me in the land of the living. I believe you do too!
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living. “Psalm 27:13 (NKJV):
Marguerite Wafula