"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" Philippians 1:6).
Carpenters and contractors begin construction with the expectation that they will complete the work. It would be an unusual sight to see partially-built homes left to deteriorate, all because the builder decided they weren't worth completing. Flaws and defects are fixed along the way rather than causing the entire project to be halted.
We are a work in progress, and we need not fear that we'll be abandoned because of our many faults and flaws. He who began a good work will carry it on to completion.
The solid work ethic that characterized a previous generation was, "a job worth doing is worth doing well," and, "finish what you start". Thankfully, this is our Father's work ethic.
The life of a follower of Christ is at times characterized by missteps and mistakes. Reflecting on such things can cause us to question the value of our lives, and of the Lord's investment in us. Be encouraged in knowing that whatever effort is needed to bring us perfection will never outweigh the value of the results.
A course has been plotted that will ultimately lead us to the kingdom of God on the day of Christ Jesus. That course might look something like the gains and losses of the stock market - ups and downs, but with a gradual increase. There are advances and setbacks, but gradual progress in maturity and Christ-likeness.
We might compare the perfecting work in our lives to a car's cruise control. The cruise control provides steady acceleration, but we still must steer the vehicle. We cannot sit back and expect Spirit work to do it all; we must cooperate with Spirit work. Bible reading and study, the practice of prayer and discipline, and active participation in the body of Christ, are all cooperative efforts with the Spirit of God. If we have surrendered to the internal Spirit good work, we'll be led more deeply and consistently in these areas.
He who began a good work in us leads us to a good work in the lives of others. That's the essence of Jesus' Great Commission in making disciples. He would use us to move the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus out into the world and into more lives.
May we live confidently and participate fully with the One who began a good work in us. He is patiently and deliberately bringing us to perfection.
©Steve Taylor, 2023 --Used by permission
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