It’s a new year and everyone has been out celebrating with reflections on the old and inspirations for the new. I’m not a celebrator when it comes to the New Year’s holiday. I rejoice every morning for a new day, a new beginning. It as one more day on this earth to serve God. I do not make resolutions for a whole year but my prayer in the mornings is generally asking God for strength in my body and duct tape over my mouth!
However, as everyone is in a mindset of this new year of 2026, I thought I’d challenge us to look into the word “study.” I love school. I am a total nerd when it comes to studying. I’ll buy the curriculums for the girls but I’ll study them, too. I just love anything that has to do with learning.
Paul wrote to his young prodigy about an important form of study, the study of God’s Word. Some might say this was important for Timothy who was studying to be a pastor but I look at the study of God’s Word as a must for any Christian. We must dig into His Word if we want to face head on the challenges of this earthly life with any form of godliness, peace and joy.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15
Whereas the study of God’s Word should be the top priority for any Christian traveling through this life, there is also another form of study we must also do. Paul, in speaking to the Thessalonians, challenged them to study to be quiet and to mind their own business. It isn’t always easy to keep our mouths shut and refrain from gossip which I believe it is why Paul points to it as a study. If we study the how to’s, we can suggest many ways on how not to be a busybody. We can also study to mind our own business by staying busy with work in our own home and lives and the study of God’s Word.
It may be hard to hear, but when we are keepers at home, we are kept so busy providing a cozy sanctuary for our families that we are left with no time to be busybodies. I love being home. I rarely leave my house and I have come to enjoy the quiet buzz here in my own home.
“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;” I Thessalonians 4:11
The Bible also has another discussion on study that I am finding hard to take in. King Solomon is known as the wisest man on earth and he concluded that too much study wears us out. I have to question, how can this be? However, I understand what he means. We could spend a lifetime of studying every subject under the sun but what is the end goal? Are we furthering the Gospel?
Are we advancing the cause of Christ (sharing eternal values)? What is the end result of all our studying? It is great to be educated but what is our purpose in life? We are called to glorify God by our lives. So yes, it is with great joy that I study (history being my favorite subject) but I must remember to share His glorious salvation and help others find eternal peace.
“And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” Ecclesiastes 12:12
As we start our new year, our new month and yes our new day; what studying will you be doing?
To learn of Jesus Christ, our Lord,
We need to read His holy Word;
The precious lessons we must heed,
And ask of Him the grace we need.
O holy teacher, friend and guide,
With us for evermore abide;
May we be taught from Heav’n above
The wondrous lessons of Thy love.
(Julia Johnston)
