These are the words Bilbo Baggins shouts over his shoulder to a rather shocked, inquiring neighbor. Bilbo is running recklessly through the Shire to catch up with a band of dwarves who are set on retaking their homeland from a dragon. It is a preposterous thing for such a small, innocent little creature as a hobbit to set off on such a grand adventure, but you wouldn't know it by watching Bilbo run. He is so excited to experience something outside the peaceful Shire that he runs out of his hobbit hole without basic necessities like a walking stick and a knapsack . . . let alone his precious handkerchiefs!
I feel like Bilbo, in much the same way. I know God has prepared good works in advance for me to walk in, and I know that this walking is the very thing I was created for! (Eph 2:10) It's an amazing journey to think about, something I want to experience intimately. I can't fail in these good works! I am unstoppable, even!! All I must do is step out the door and start walking!! Like Steven Curtis Chapman Sings, "Saddle up your horses, we have a trail to blaze. Through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace. Let's follow our leader into the great unknown. This is a life like no other, whoa whoa, this is the great adventure!"
It's as if Jesus has met me at my door recently, though, and asked a simple question: "Are you equipped for your journey, Child?" And I shamefacedly realize I am consistently running out the door in a t-shirt and shorts, barefooted, with no knapsack or walking stick. I imagine a smirk on Jesus's face—he certainly isn't upset at my enthusiasm—as He graciously hands me what I need to be equipped for my journey. What He gives me is a simple thing, really, but so profound. It is a living and active thing, a double-edged sword. It is His Word! It is the Bible that equips me for this journey of good works!
"All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Have you experienced the joy of good works, friend? There is something addicting about them, amen? But it is a good addiction, a craving birthed inside us when we became a "new creation." It truly is an adventure exploring this path God has set out for us and living those good works we were uniquely designed for, and there is nothing wrong with the joy in this journey! May we not get so swept up in the grandness of the adventure, though, that we forget to be properly equipped. We must study God's Word to adventure well; It's only through personal application of His Word that we will know how we are to journey!
So, be diligent not only as a "workman" of God's, but as someone who does not need to be ashamed—because you accurately handle the word of truth! That's my desire for all of us. May we adventure well!!
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the Word of Truth."
2 Timothy 2:15
