Work

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In speaking to The Church, Paul said, "WORK at living in peace with everyone and WORK at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord". (Hebrews 12:14)  We are also instructed, in Philippians 2:12&13 to "WORK out our own salvation".

The word "work" in all of these instructions tells us that it is not easy. 

It is not easy being at peace with everyone. We all have different personalities and quirks. No one is perfect. Words are going to be said that hurt our feelings. We aren't going to agree with everything that is done. However, we can disagree agreeably. When we are all Kingdom minded, instead of self-minded, being at peace with one another comes much easier.

Living a holy life also takes WORK. The world we live in offers much temptation. It is easier to just "go along to get along". Living a holy life is much more than the things we don't do.  Oswald Chambers said (paraphrased) Living a holy life means having such a close relationship with God that we rarely have to ask what is wrong and right or what direction we should go. But that, dear ones, takes WORK.

"WORK out your own salvation..." This one is two-fold. First, it tells us that we have to work at our salvation. I compare it to being rescued at sea. A rope is thrown to a man in the water. If he grabs the rope he is essentially "saved". But, if he lets go of the rope he is lost. If he does not climb the rope into the ship he is lost. Grabbing the rope is not enough. We have to WORK to make it into the ship (heaven) safely.

The second truth in these verses is "work out your OWN salvation." I can, as a minister, teach the truth but the hearer has to "work it out" for themself.

It also means work on YOU and let God work on others. That is the part I struggle with. My flesh is irritated when I see people who I know are not what they should be yet are promoted and exalted by man. My flesh wants to expose them. Then the Holy Spirit whispers, "You work on you and let me work on them".

Today, determine to WORK harder for Christ and His Kingdom.

Be blessed,

Pastor Jennifer

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