“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”-Philippians 1:6
When I was still in high school (only a few years ago, really! :D), I recall my pastor sharing a story about a wedding he had recently officiated. He told the soon-to-be-married couple that their wedding ceremony was timely because the church building was under construction. My pastor explained that the construction would always remind them that their marriage too should always remain “under construction”. There would always be room for improvement in their marriage, areas to work on, growth to be pursued, changes to be made.
The same is true for every Christian. We are all ever “under construction.” In this life, we will always have room to grow. Always! And the great news is that Jesus is the One who is “rearranging” us! He does it with faithful love and goodness. Early on in his letter to the Philippians, Paul, who was inspired directly by the Lord, encouraged the early Christians in Philippi that the work God had begun in them, He would finish. This word applies to every Christian! Let’s reread Philippians 1:6 which says: “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” In other words, Fellow believer in Christ, God saved you, now dwells in you, and is in the process of changing you to become more and more like Jesus! He is working. What He started in you, He will ultimately complete.
This truth ought to bring such joy to our souls! Why? Because Jesus is working! He’s working in countless ways, including moving in us, His followers, propelling us forward so that we may honor Him with our lives as well as help others. You and I are not a lost cause. He is transforming our thinking, our actions, our speech, our everything. This process doesn’t always feel great, but there’s no doubt it is a great work that He is up to! Our job is to cooperate, not resist. We do this by trusting God and His Word, submitting to His will, and obeying Him joyfully. May we not forget - “Loving God means keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome.”-1 John 5:3
Today, let’s be spurred on by the truth that God is not done with us! It is equally as helpful to not forget that He is still working in others too. Remembering this helps us show grace to ourselves, fellow Christians, family, friends, and even strangers. God will finish what He started!
Cheer up, friends!
-Scott