……With fear and trembling…..

Philippians 2:12 is one of my favorite verses. It speaks to my rule follower heart.

“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;”

My need to follow rules makes obedience fairly easy, but fear and trembling always gets me. I know I’m saved and can’t be snatched from my Father’s hand ( John 10:29 ), but have I grown complacent? Do I stay in a state of awe and reverence because the Most High God of the universe is at work in me? ( Philippians 2:13 )

There’s a reason we need to fear and tremble. A few Sundays ago my pastor, Billy Kilpatrick, said this, “Final death is separation from God without the ability to repent”. That’s scary. Final is final and separation from God for all eternity is a brutal reality.

I’m thankful that death has no victory for me, but I have friends and loved ones who have yet to accept Jesus and the security that He brings. To stay ready for opportunities to reach them I need to make sure I’m doing the things the Holy Spirit is telling me do.

I need to be studying His word for revelation. I need to behave in such a way that I shine as a light in the midst of a crooked generation ( Phil 2:15 ). I need to testify of the goodness of God at every opportunity.

None of those things “save” me, only Jesus can do that. Not doing them won’t condemn me, but I would not be walking in the good works He has prepared for me ( Ephesians 2:10 ). I want to be able to reach the people in my life. Family, friends, acquaintances, I am praying they are all a part of my good works.

Who is with me? Can we make 2022 the year we bring back some fear and trembling so that we can reach our communities for Christ? #LetsMinister