So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose. Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world. Philippians 2:12-15 HCSB
My former pastor used to say that when he would invite people to church and they would respond by saying that there were too many hypocrites in church, he would tell them that there was always room for one more. Criticizing others is human nature. Let’s face it, we would all rather point out the faults of others than try to change what we do, right? But, when we step out and profess our faith we put a spotlight on ourselves. So the question here is what will you do with that light. Will you let your light shine or will you try to return to the darkness? The bible describes darkness and evil often times as the same. We are told that what is done in the darkness will be exposed in the light (Luke 12:3).
Now we know that none of us are perfect. Romans 3:23 clearly states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. So how can any of us be blameless and above reproach? Well, I’m glad you asked. You see, we can be cleansed by Jesus blood. Colossians 1:22 tells us that He has reconciled us by His physical body through His death, to present you, holy, faultless, and blameless before Him. But there is an IF in verse 23. Verse 23 says, if indeed you remain grounded and steadfast in the faith and are not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard.
As soon as we step up and step out for Christ, the devil is busy at work trying to win us back. Even though we are sinners, we can be made clean. When we accept Christ as our savior, we are made clean. Our scripture passage says that we must work out our salvation with fear and trembling. We must maintain a reverence for our Lord and Savior. We must remain steadfast and not think that this is something we can just check off our list and move on.
The bible tells us that each and every one of us will stand before the throne of judgment (Revelation 20:11-16). We will give an account for every word spoken and I’m sure that includes typed as well (Matthew 12:36) and for every action (Romans 12:14). Now, I don’t know about you, but there are many things that I want to not have to deal with while standing there at the throne. I want to get to the throne and have God say, “Yes, she’s in the book of life, well done my child, go on in”, I don’t want to stand there and squirm and hope that I make it. The saddest thing for me is when you ask someone if they know that if they died right this minute would they go to heaven and they respond with, “I hope so”. My friend, you better know so.
In order for us to face the thrown of judgment and be blameless and above reproach, we must be reconciled by Jesus’ blood. In vacation bible school we use an ABC approach. You must accept Him as your savior. You must believe in Him and you must confess your sins and ask for forgiveness.
Each and every day we must ask God to fill us with His Holy Spirit so that we can strive for the perfection that can only be found in Christ. We must strive to be above reproach. We must do our best to remain faultless in a crooked and evil world and we must shine like stars so that we can lead those that are lost to salvation in Christ. Remember, the hypocrites are watching and waiting to call you out as a hypocrite. Will you give them that opportunity?
Take a few minutes to see if you could consider yourself above reproach today. If you were called up to the throne of judgment right this minute could you be found blameless? If not, maybe it’s time to make some changes in your life. Focus on God and trust in Him to help you as you strive to serve Him to the absolute best of your ability.
Have a great day!