"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; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."
Philippians 2:12-13 NKJV
This verse has been like a stumbling block for many Christians because, they find it hard to understand. What did Paul mean when he said, 'work out your own salvation with fear and trembling'? Well, he didn't mean that salvation is dependent on one's continued works; not at all. What he meant was our salvation must express itself in our daily living. Our character should be upright in all that we do, so that unbelievers see the difference in us and, although they may feel that we're strange, it leaves a lasting effect on them.
Paul mentioned about their conduct when he was not with them. He commended them that their behaviour was always upright whether he was with them or away from them. This is something that we need to take on board. I mentioned the Behind Closed Doors Syndrome' the other day where, we behave well at church but it's almost as if we can be tempted to take off our Christian hat and behave in a worldly manner, when we go home. This is similar to when the boss is around we may behave diligently. However, when he goes out, take time off or leave work earlier than we should. Paul commended the Philippi church that whether he was with them or not, they were always obedient and faithful.
Paul mentions that we should work our own salvation out with fear and trembling. Whatever we do, God knows, we can't hide anything from Him. Others may not see but, He does and when we are in error, that feeling of conviction can be heavy upon us until we have put things right. It's also important because, those unbelievers who do see our disobedience, take note of it. They may not mention it but this is where the term 'hypocrite' can form in their thinking. We need to live up to our word otherwise, we are like a ''sounding brass or a clanging cymbal' (1 Corinthians 13:1). We may not realise that they have noticed our wrongdoing, but to them, it's big, possibly because they view us as reading the bible.
When we view Jesus throughout the Gospels, His love, care, honesty and compassion shine through. People around Him noticed He was different and, He drew a crowd because of it. What a blessing it is when people notice that we are different and ask us about it. Wouldn't you prefer to have people notice you for the right reasons? Then, 'work out your own salvation with fear and trembling'.
Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.
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