Work In or Work Out?

I’m sure we’ve all heard and at some point, have used the phrase “I’m a work in progress”, aka I’m a WIP. Although it is true that none of us are perfect, I wonder how often we hide behind that phrase as an excuse to not strive for perfection. In reality when we consistently hide behind that phrase, we’re actually abusing the grace of God. Philippians 2:12 reminds us to work out our own salvation. Work out implies a striving, a continual quest to walk upright before God. Romans 6:1-2, and 15 confirms that we are not to abuse the grace: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!” So why is it that so many believers are comfortable being a WIP?

Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, [a]with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). — Philippians 2:12 AMPC

1. Fear of rejection-As long as we hold on to the ways of the world, we have the false perception that we are now accepted. The truth though is that once we give our life to Jesus, we are already accepted (Ephesians 1:6) by the only one that it really matters.

2. Lack of discipline-Truth be told living this Christian life requires discipline. Working out your own salvation means spending time in the presence of God. It means reading and studying the word. It means praying and sometimes fasting and praying. It’s not just a once or twice or week event, but it is establishing a relationship with the one who gave His life that we may live an abundant life.

3. Lack of identity-Many believers treat salvation as fire insurance and never become the new creation that is supposed to happen after giving our life to Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”. Believers have a new identity in Christ, but it is only through working out our salvation that we will manifest that new identity.

4. Lack of faith-Although we are “believers” we really don’t believe what the word of God says about us. This really is a result of a trickle-down effect. Lack of studying/meditating on the word prohibits us from getting an understanding of the word, and therefore because we don’t understand it, we speak the opposite of what it says, and fail to see the manifestation of God’s promises in our life.

These are just a few reasons why believers are comfortable being a WIP. Your challenge this week is to determine if you are a WIP or if you’re working out your own salvation. If the Holy Spirit reveals that you are a WIP, choose today to put on the new man and allow God to work in you as you work out your own salvation. Pick up a copy of my new devotional titled Promise, which will also help move you from the WIP status. Click here to purchase. Until next week….

Be blessed, but first comes obedience!

Rev. Robin