Partnership

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12–13, KJV)

Years ago, I began a consulting business. As a self-employed consultant, I used to say this when people asked me what it was like. I would say, “It is not all it is cracked up to be. My boss’ leadership was questionable and my employee’s performance was also.” They did not understand until I told them that there was none one else in the company. I was both the boss and the employee. Of course, I was making a joke. At least I hope so.

My business model was to improve performance in manufacturing facilities. This included management and maintenance consulting. One of the things I stressed in the management side was that the managers needed to establish a culture for success. To do this, the managers were not slave drivers, but ones who would work ensure the employees were successful in their roles. This meat that the managers were to listen to the workers, empower them to do their job, motivate them, and provide everything necessary for them to be highly successful.

In a way, this is what Paul is writing to the Philippians. The Philippians had always hearkened to the teachings they had received. Thus, Paul encouraged them to continuously live out their faith in everyday life. Yet he let them know that this was only possible because of the work of God in their lives. The Lord God continuously worked abundantly in every way in them so that they would succeed in living lives that would accomplish His purposes and please Him.

As believers, we all want to live abundant lives that please our heavenly Father. The great news is that we are not alone in this. He is always with us and He constantly works in us by His Spirit. Thus, He works in us to accomplish great things for His glory. What gets in the way? It is our old nemesis, our fleshly nature. The key to overcoming the flesh is to live by the Spirit (Gal 5:16). Thus, to do what Paul encouraged us to do, we must learn to overcome the contrary desires of the flesh and be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The key to growing in this is to deepen our relationship with the Lord by saying ingrained in His word, being constant in prayer, and experiencing true Christian community where believers challenge and encourage one another in the Christian life.