If you want to become one of the nearly 24,000 licensed taxi drivers in London, get ready to do a lot of studying. The only way to get behind the wheel is to master The Blue Book, the single manual for a course that takes between 2 and 4 years to complete. It may take only a few minutes for the driver of a traditional black cab to take you from one point to another—but knowing how to get there required years of purposeful study.

The apostle Paul reminded young Timothy of the importance of knowing God's Word (2 Timothy 3:14-17) and of carefully and diligently carrying out his ministry of teaching others (2:15). The goal of such teaching is not just learning, but Christlike living. Paul wrote, "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife" (vv.22-23).

Today, and every day, let's make time to study God's Word with diligence and purpose. And let's take time to pray that what we learn will result in God-honoring behavior that points others to Christ. It does little good to know the best route to follow if we never get on the road.  —DCM  — David C. McCasland