Work out your salvation
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy... All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:14-17, 21 After Paul described the humility the Lord Jesus Christ showed when He left His place in heaven so He could be in the flesh and live among us then die the most shameful death on the cross, he now called on Christians to a deep contemplation. He urged Christ’s followers to imitate Christ’s example. God wants His children to be obedient so they will manifest the life He gave them. From the text, Paul alluded to the experience of the Israelites when they complained and grumbled after God led them out of Egypt. Instead of trusting God and be obedient to His leading, they would rather go back to Egypt and remain slaves. Same can characterize the life of believers. We can fall in the same attitude of complaining and grumbling and miss out in growing in faith. These attitudes are contrary to what God expects from us. He told us to “work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear” (Philippians 2:12). When we place our faith to Jesus Christ, it is imperative that we prove such faith by trusting Him. We trust God when we obey His commands. He wants our obedience be evident so that others will be challenged to leave their sinful lives. He wants His children “shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” As we continue to contemplate on the Word of God, let us be willing to apply His message in our daily lives. We can either be a blessing to others through our obedience to God or we can be stumbling blocks when we neglect God’s teachings. Paul made sure through God’s grace that his life will make a positive impact to others. He found joy in living out the life God gave him and he wants others to do the same and not only to think of themselves but to think of the things of God, expanding His Kingdom by leading others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
