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“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…” Philippians 2:12

A potentially troubling text, until I just listened to what the Spirit had to say BEFORE I drew my own human conclusions. And this is what I heard this morning when I once expressed in my prayer my fear that this sounds SO MUCH like a behavior modification in order to earn the right to the prized reward of salvation—

“Go ahead,” said the Spirit. “Work it out if you think you can. Work as hard as you want. It will frighten you and you’ll probably come out trembling because no matter how hard you try you’ll never meet the ideal that you have determined it takes to be assured of salvation with your own strength. Work at it if you wish, but here’s what I would suggest you ‘work at.’ Work at understanding the rest of the verse—'It is GOD who works in you to accomplish His will and good purpose for you.’ Not you! GOD!! He’s already done everything necessary for your salvation. Your ‘job,’ if you have to think in the ‘work’ motif, is to ‘work at’ understanding what God has already done for you and what you do NOT have to do in order to have the assurance of salvation. ‘Work’ that one out in your own mind and heart!!”

And I again come away blessed, encouraged, assured, and at peace with what God has already done, full and complete, for my salvation. All I can do is say thank you. I’m still “working” at it some days as I allow the “error of earning” to raise its ugly head on my journey with Jesus. But for the most part I’m good with just being thankful for what HE has already “worked out” for my salvation. I pray you are too!

Have a great day “working” to understand God’s love for you,

Pastor Rich

Quote for the day: “Faith isn’t a feeling. It’s a choice to trust God, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.”

PS Today the academy basketball players arrive for a weekend of games and a chance for us to encourage them to become a part of our school family next year or in the near future. Thanks for all you have done in the past and all that I know you will do this time to help them feel welcome and experience the “Union Spirit.” YOU are our best recruiters so thanks in advance for your positive contribution to their lives and our future at Union.

PS Calling all human development majors!! Come out on Friday, February 14 to the Human Development Division from 9am to 1pm to participate in a scavenger hunt. There will be the option for two winners to whoever finds the golden prize that is hidden. Winner receives a 10 dollar gift card to Starbucks. Come out and find some gold! Sponsored by Amber, our Campus Ministries Liaison to the Human Development Division.