PHILIPPIANS 1:6 – “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

PHILIPPIANS 2:12-13 – “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

THEME OF THE DAY: DIVINE WORK IN PROGRESS: HANDLE WITH CARE.  The first of the two scripture references in today’s devotion brings great comfort and assurance to the child of God. We find within it the truth that what God starts, God finishes.  He who predestined us to be conformed into the image of His Son will not fail to complete His work of conformity – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified” (Romans 8:28-30).

The second reference gives insight into the process of this work of conformity by God.  There is dual responsibility.  We work. God works.  It is poor theology that says, “Let go and let God.”  Now there is some truth in the first part. We are to daily learn submission to God, but that doesn’t remove our personal responsibility to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. This involves intentional obedience to God’s Word and a resolve to fight the spiritual warfare that defines the Christian life.  But there is something else for us to consider in the working out of salvation: our treatment of other Christians who are also working out their salvation.

Let’s do some probing.  Ever get irritated at another Christian?  Maybe a little impatient over their spiritual immaturity?  What about when we are sinned against? We must be careful in our handling of the Lord’s sheep when they fall short or hurt us.  We are not allowed to mistreat them in words, thoughts, attitudes or actions. The Lord doesn’t take any mistreatment of them lightly. Sadly, too many churches experience unnecessary division and disunity because of the unloving relationships among God’s people.  But it need not be so.  Here are a couple of things to do to help us maintain loving relationships with other Christians who are working out their salvation.

First, remember that all Christians are works in progress.  Each day, God is at work making them like His Son and He is patient with them all.  Learn to see every Christian wearing a sign on them, “Divine Work in Progress: Handle with Care.”  What will help us in this treatment of other believers is to remember how the Lord treats us.

So, working out our salvation is a responsibility each believer must embrace.  It is messy.  And in the messiness, hurt often occurs in relationships among God’s children. Let’s not allow it to become divisive and bring about disunity.  After all, we are all divine works in progress, so let’s treat each other as such, and handle each other with care.

PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for Your commitment to finish the work You started in me of making me like Your Son.”

QUOTE: “Learn to always see other Christians as works in progress and be patient with them as God is with us.”