Build on Your Own Foundation
For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. - (Philippians 2:13)
Some people are really into exercise. They love to work up a sweat, go on a run, or lift weights. I hate all of it. And I know I’m not alone in that. But the fact of the matter is that we really need to exercise. We can’t hire someone to work out for us. It’s something we have to do for ourselves.
The apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12–13). Paul was in prison when he wrote this epistle. He was writing it from Rome and was experiencing anxiety over the fact that he was separated from these believers.
Effectively Paul was saying, “Look, guys, I can’t be with you right now. I wish I were there to offer you guidance and to be a good example for you, but I can’t do it. But check it out. It is God who works in you, not Paul.”
They may have thought, We can’t live the Christian life without Paul around. Well, actually they could. And if pastors and spiritual leaders are doing their jobs properly, they will get you up on your own feet spiritually so that you are not dependent on them.
Paul was saying, “Guys, keep things in perspective. It is God who is doing the work. Maybe He worked through me, but it’s still God who did the work.”
We can put people on pedestals and think they can do no wrong. And sometimes people will base their relationship with God on someone else’s relationship with God. That isn’t good. We need to get our own faith. We need to build on our own foundation.
Social Media: Do you have your own foundation or are you building on another’s?
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.
Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.
SPECIAL OFFER
Experience a life beyond amazing
You can receive a copy of A Life Beyond Amazing: Nine Decisions That Will Transform Your Life. Dr. David Jeremiah takes a look at the fruits of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5, turning each one into a decision that we can make to see transformation in our lives. Live the Christian life as Christ intends it for you!
Get a copy of this excellent book in thanks for your generous donation to Harvest Ministries today.
