Still Working

Aug. 3rd
Philippians 1:6

We live in a world of deadlines, goals, performances, and accountability and many other different measurements or evaluations. In our jobs, we are expected to do certain things. Most of the time it is our responsibility to complete or live up to the job description we signed up for. This verse is very encouraging in that it doesn't really need anything from us. It is a great reminder of the grace we learned about today, and the grace we see everyday in our lives.

We have all accomplished different things in our lives. School, jobs, or career, etc. We all also have faced trials and disappointments from jobs, relationships, tragedies, or anything else that has affected us. Again, this is a great verse of promise and a great reminder for us daily. We may finish or accomplish certain things in our lives, but God continues his work. He doesn't punch out, he doesn't move on, and he forgives us when we fall short.  

I think we can find 3 things from this verse to take away. First, God took the initiative in starting the good work in you. He began the good work in you. Salvation must begin with God. Second, he takes personal responsibility for completing his work in you. Praise God! He takes on the burden! Third, he guarantees the outcome. Not only does God start the process, and continue the process, he also guarantees its ultimate outcome. He will “carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This means that God won’t be turned aside by difficulties of any kind.

Paul faced many different trials, and God continued to do good work in him. Paul was a smart man. However, even he realized it was all lost, and only God could do good work through him. So let us not be discouraged when hard times come; let us not become prideful when we accomplish good things. Let us continue to let him work in our hearts and in our lives. The good work will be more fruitful than we can ever imagine.