The Proof is in the Fruit

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me." Philippians 2:12-18

Paul was writing to a people he loved very much. He was willing to literally be poured out "as a drink offering" - totally expended for them in the name of Christ. His effort was no little thing. Yet, he was looking to the fruit of Christ in their lives to see the value of his effort. If they were complaining and arguing about everything and living in stress and strife - then that was to him ineffectual labor.  There would be, in that case, no light shining. The effort was not what was of value - instead it was the fruit that the effort initiated.

Living in Christ, with the Holy Spirit as our inward, constant companion is to bring forth a transformed life. He has the power to change us from the inside out. However, as in all things, He waits for us to give Him permission and co-operation to do what needs to be done. In this awesome acceptance, love, forgiveness and total grace there is "sufficient everything" to enable us to shine as lights of glory and hope in our desperate world. Yet, the way we speak and treat others will determine whether or not we are allowing those changes to happen.

Our Lord does not sovereignly come inside of us, nor sovereignly make changes in our ways of thinking and being. Instead, in all cases, He waits for our willing co-labor in the action of all. So as we choose Him, then we have chosen His way.

Lord, we do choose you and we do choose your way. Thank you for accepting us and pouring your beautiful grace over our lives in every dimension. We choose to speak as light and to deal with one another in ways of light - Your light which brings hope and healing. Thank you for teaching and training us to be a part of it all.