My little brother and I were typical brothers growing up. We would engage in “sibling rivalry” now and again! But we were being raised by a single mother who worked fulltime and cared for us full time as well. One such event when we were a bit older elicited a phrase from my mom to us both that really stuck with me. I don’t even remember what we were fighting about but mom came into our room and looked at us both and said with a seriousness and sternness that got our attention. Insisting we act our age, she demanded “Work it out!”
“Work it out!” It still strikes me in a powerful way and shakes me to realize that there are situations in life that are simply not going to have easy answers and clear paths. We have to exercise our minds and build on our foundation to both discover the right path and to then walk it. We have to “work it out!”
All this week, we are going to look at the Epistle Lessons and today starts this process as we listen in on St. Paul instruction the Church in Philippi. Look at Philippians 2:12-15:
BRETHREN, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud
First, notice the Apostle clearly teaches us to realize our salvation is going to have unique demands on each of us because each of us is “free, unique, and unrepeatable.” We each struggle with varying degrees of spiritual illness that is going to require both an ACTIVE participation and a keen and honest AWARENESS of our own struggles. If I am going to “work out” my own salvation, that is going to require me to seriously know myself and know the Faith so that I can see where my deepest need is in my soul. Of course, I also have the great benefit of regular confession and weekly fasting that helps me discover this necessary wisdom!
Next, I “work out” my own salvation in “fear and trembling” because this very work depends on my humility and brutal honesty AND because I’m not doing this work by myself – God is “at work” in me! Part of my “working out” my own salvation is my intimate connection with God as He invites me to regularly, daily, and purposefully, cooperate with His work within me to make me like Jesus Christ. Amazing! The Uncreated God is at work in me! Lord, have mercy.
Finally, as I “work out” my own salvation, I realize this creates a singular focus, not on other people’s sins, but my own, and I am liberated from “grumbling.” I am “innocent” as a child. And, the Light shines in my life to give hope to all around me! No wonder the Apostle speaks as he does to us today.
Today, are you working out your own salvation with fear and trembling? Are you intimately aware of God’s work in your life? Is there a numbness to your spiritual life that is making your active participation in your salvation difficult? It’s time to rise to the occasion and “work it out” as the mature believer you are called to be. It’s time to be Orthodox on Purpose!
P.S. Did you miss last night’s Faith Encouraged LIVE? No worries. Just go to the archives page at AncientFaith.com and you can not only hear it but sharer it with others. Have a great week!
