Participation Not Performance

I often think that it's easier to go off the rails in the good times than in the bad. There are no atheists in foxholes. When the bullets are flying, when you're in danger, of course you cry out to God. But when the going's good … hey, eat, drink, be merry. Interestingly, the Apostle Paul, from his prison cell, writes this to his friends in Phillipi: Philippians 1:5-6 I thank God for the help you gave me while I told people the Good News. You helped from the first day you believed until now. I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again. In other words, the Philippians, through both good times and bad, had remained faithful to God's work, supporting Paul. They'd demonstrated clearly through their actions that they'd stayed on track. Which leads Paul to bless them in the certainty that the good work that God had begun in them would continue to completion on the day when Jesus Christ comes again. Listen, the work of goodness in our hearts is the work of God Himself. We don't perform in order to be saved, but when we are saved, we participate in His work, knowing that He'll continue to work His good in us to the end. It's an exquisite partnership that invites our participation, not performance. Stay faithful, keep doing good, because the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again. That's His Word. Fresh … for you … today.