PHILIPPIANS 2:12

Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.

TO PONDER

Doing dishes is one of my least favourite jobs to do around the house, especially with a full belly after a long day, relaxing in a comfortable chair is a much better way to let your food digest and rejuvenate your tired body…

But, guess what, my amazing, hardworking wife is tired too and probably doesn’t enjoy doing dishes either, so last year I decided to insist on doing the dishes every night.

Today’s verse is one of those verses that can be taken out of context, used to push agendas, and confuse the works verses grace discussion. Paul is challenging the Philippians to continue to follow the instructions he has personally given to them, even when he isn’t there (do what I tell you to do because I’m the leader?), then says to work hard in relation to salvation and to obey God with “deep reverence and fear”.

Dallas Willard the philosopher/theologian said this in relation to works/effort and grace; “Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning.”

The Message Bible translates the “obeying” idea in the verse as “responsive obedience”, we obey God as a response to His grace, not to earn that grace.

Every night I do the despised job of dishes as a response to the love I have for my wife, especially if I am mad at her to remind myself that I love her.

PRAYER: Faithful Saviour, I pray the same prayer the man cried out to you asking for help with his child “help me overcome my unbelief!”. Amen.

Today's devotion written by Danny Brock, LifeWay Westside