Consciously Aware

Philippians 2:12-13 ESV
“Therefore, my beloved, 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 it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

Paul had just appealed to the Philippian church to, not only be together in thought and deed, but to be of one heart and mind.  Now he focuses on the individual in verses 12 and 13. Here he tells the church members to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. 

To take this verse literally would be an oversite of what Paul was trying to convey. Paul wants each member to look deep into their own heart and soul and be conscious of who they are in Christ.  Are they following God consciously in sanctification, are they watching their spiritual steps?

The Amplified Bible states it like this; “cultivate it (salvation), bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity. With awe-inspired fear and trembling, [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ]. This verse is the crux of the Christian walk. Now that we have come to Christ, are we different in thought and deed?

Does every step have purpose and meaning? Is our attitude in check, has our mindset and conversations changed, are we pleasing God? Have we matured since we first believed? Are we carrying out the work of the Lord? After all, Paul’s last sentence states, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

If God is the one working in us, doesn’t that not invoke change and betterment?

Prayer: 
Lord, search me and find the dross. Cleanse me from who I was to who You want me to be. Cultivate in me the freshness of the life only found in Jesus Christ.  Every day when I look into the mirror, help me to consciously look into my heart and attitude and see if you are their working in me.