Philippians 2:12-13 –  “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

Many take verse twelve and believe they have to strive to spiritually succeed in this life as a believer. Yet, they fail to read the next verse and take the whole truth principle into consideration. Paul is not saying that we must strive for our salvation, he is saying we are to work out our salvation. In other words, our faith must be evident in every area of our lives. The salvation that we have can be seen by the fruit that is produced from our lives.

The idea here is that since God is working in us, we have a great responsibility and privilege to serve Him. God works in us and transforms our will, our desires and our outlook on life. As He works in us, chipping away those rough edges, we have the opportunity everyday to get up and step out into this world to be used by Him.

‘Works’ has come to signify a bad word in the Christian world. No, we are not saved by works, we are saved by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9). But now that we ARE saved, we get to be set to work for the Kingdom of God, ‘For His good pleasure.’ Now is not the time to sit on the sidelines as people are suffering, broken and lost. Now is the time to get out of the box we’ve built around ourselves and be uncomfortable for His Kingdom. We produce fruit where we are planted, and we fulfill the Great Commission where He has us on Mission.

Today, know that God is working in you, and you have the privilege to be about His business and make an eternal impact on this earth. Being comfortable can lead to complacency. Being flexible to God’s leading will lead to forging ahead and fulfilling His will. Your salvation will be evident to all as you live for eternity and be spent for spiritual things.

2 Corinthians 12:15 – “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.”