Equipped for Every Good Work

Wisdom from Paul & a thank you to my dad

A few weeks ago, my wife and I decided it was time to replace the light fixture in our dining room. Simple enough, right? Just swap out the old for the new.

As with most home projects, not exactly.

We needed to move the light fixture entirely, which meant figuring out where to cut a new hole in the ceiling, running new electrical wiring, and patching up the old drywall. For this relatively new homeowner, it was all a bit… daunting.

So, what did I do?

I called my dad.

Here’s the thing about dads: they always seem to know what to do. And if they don’t? They know someone who does. My dad’s toolbox isn’t just full of tools; it’s full of years of know-how, and solutions to problems I didn’t even know existed. What a gift.

When he showed up, he wasn’t just ready—he was prepared. He brought a ladder tall enough to reach the ceiling and tools for every possible scenario: electrical wiring, drills, saws, joint compound, you name it. And with those tools in hand, he finished the job like a pro. Now, that light fixture hangs perfectly above our dining table, casting a warm glow over every meal.

Okay, great—your dad’s a professional handyman. So what’s the point?

The point is this: he came equipped for every part of the job. And because he was equipped, he got the job done.

It reminds me of something Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3—a sort of fatherly advice of his own. Paul tells Timothy that life will be hard. People will be selfish, unkind, and difficult. He doesn’t sugarcoat it: if you’re living for Jesus, you’re going to face opposition.

But then, there’s this beautiful word: “But…”

Paul doesn’t leave Timothy (or us) hanging in despair. He offers hope:

“But you continue in the things which you have learned and are convinced of, because you know from whom you learned them, and that from childhood you have known the holy writings that are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

2 Timothy 3:14-15 LEB

When the world feels heavy—when opposition comes, or the days seem long and thankless—Paul points us back to what we’ve already been given. The wisdom of Scripture.

And then he takes it a step further:

“All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness,”

2 Timothy 3:16 LEB

Think about that. Every word of Scripture is inspired by God Himself. It’s not just ink on a page; it’s His breath, His wisdom, His instruction, meeting us exactly where we are. It’s the toolbelt we didn’t know we needed, packed with resources for every moment life throws at us.

Whether we’re navigating a tough decision at work, wrestling with relational tension, or just trying to stay afloat in a chaotic season, Scripture is there to teach us what’s true, redirecting us when we wander, shaping us into who we’re called to be.

And why? Paul finishes with this:

“in order that the person of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:17 LEB

Just like my dad’s tools equipped him to rewire our light fixture, Scripture equips us for the work God has prepared for us. It teaches us how to be generous when it feels inconvenient, how to be compassionate when it feels uncomfortable, and how to live with purpose when the world tells us to live for ourselves.

So, what does "every good work" look like?

In relationships, it could mean stepping into the role of a peacemaker—choosing forgiveness and grace even when it’s hard. At work, it might involve integrity in decision-making or going the extra mile to serve someone in need. Within the church, it could look like using your gifts to build up the body of Christ, whether that’s teaching, serving, or simply being present for others in your spiritual community. Scripture equips us for all of this and more, meeting us in the everyday moments and guiding us toward lives that reflect God’s heart.

As we step into 2025, let’s remember this: we’re not sent out into the world empty-handed. We have a God who has given us everything we need to face what’s ahead. Through His Word, He’s equipping us for every good work—whether that’s in the office, at home, or in our neighborhoods.

May we lean into God’s promises this year. May we let His Word shape us, guide us, and prepare us for the work He’s calling us to do.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to show up. He’s already equipped you for what’s next.

P.S. If you’re reading this, thanks for all your help always, Dad!