By: Robert Johnson

“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 NKJV). In this passage of Scripture, Paul spoke of what God seeks to accomplish in our lives. God’s “purpose” [NIV] is to bring us to salvation in Christ, and He can use any and every circumstance to mature our faith and to draw us closer to Him—to His will for our lives. Even in his own life, Paul said, while under house arrest in Rome, “Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all” (2:17).

Just as God has His will and work to accomplish in us, life in Christ is to be approached from the same perspective. There is the matter of what we do and the work or lifestyle in which we engage. One must be submissive to the will of God to have salvation. “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36). This is not only true in obeying the Gospel but in Christian living, too. God’s will must be our goal for living. “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1).

Actions are important, but so are the motives from which they come. “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:3). God knows the heart of man, and He judges not only one’s actions but also one’s motives. Some of Jesus’ harshest words were spoken to those who, having the appearance of righteousness on the outside, nevertheless, were anything but that within them (Matthew 23:25–28).

Humility, lowliness and meekness are qualities of the heart that commend us to God. When we approach God from the heart as Lord (1 Peter 3:15), and when we approach each other in consideration and love (Philippians 2:3–4), it defines and identifies us as followers of Christ (Philippians 2:5–11). Inflated egos, jealousy and the problems that follow ought to have no part in our lives or God’s kingdom (James 3:16). Instead, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (Ephesians 5:1–2).

Life is too short, the kingdom of God is too important, and salvation is too precious to ignore either of these perspectives—to will and to work. In times like these, we must remember God wills and works His purposes in us. Let us join with Him, living in the will of God, and doing so from pure motives. Remember, it is God who will “make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:21).

Author: Robert Johnson