We all tend to do our best when others are watching what we are doing. We also do better when others come along beside us and hold us accountable. However, the real test of your character and faith is how you act when no one is watching, and no one is there to hold you accountable. A true sign of integrity is doing the right thing when no one else is around. It is also good evidence of who you are when you do the right thing in the face of adversity, at a time when no one stands with you. So, think about it, what do you do when no one is looking?
In Philippians 2:12, Paul makes a statement about those in the church at Philippi that says multitudes about the depth of their faith. Paul refers to them as “my beloved,” a title that shows his tender feelings toward them. He established this church and like any other church, he knew they would have their challenges as they moved forward. However, through the reports he had been given, he found out they were staying the course. While with them he had observed their work ethic, their love for Christ, and their desire to further the gospel. He states they had always obeyed when he was with them. That is a good thing because our selfish desires usually cause some type of contention when working closely with others. However, it is not hard to believe they would keep selfish feelings and actions hidden while in the presence of Paul. They admired him, loved him, and wanted to please him. In verse 12 the next phrase is what captures me as amazing. He commends them for not only doing the right thing in his presence, but in his absence they were showing more obedience to the gospel! Their behavior was proof their faith was real. They were doing the right thing when no one was looking but God. If all Christians could live this way, the lost world would see the difference Christ makes, and many more would be saved.
The next phrase Paul encourages them to do is “work out your own salvation.” There has been much debate about this phrase but if you read Paul’s other writings you will understand he was not promoting salvation by works. In Ephesians 2:8-9, we are told that our salvation is not of works, it is a gift from God. So, what is he saying? He wants them to continue to do God’s will, God’s way. They are to grow in their sanctification day by day, seeking to be more like Jesus. They are to continue in their path of righteousness just as they have been doing in his absence. They are to depend on God to work in them just as He had been doing.
Philippians 2:12-13 “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.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
What about you? Could your pastor, or those you go to church with, say that you were always obeying God both in their presence and in their absence? Are you seeking daily to deepen your walk with God, to live in such a way that others notice you are different from the world? Maybe you have fallen into the trap of many believers in America. They have habits they keep as a Christian that is an indicator, they are a Christian, but their lives are not increasing in their love and knowledge of God. They check the boxes for church attendance, giving, praying at times, and even serving someone a meal in need, but there is no spirit in it. It simply works they are doing to check the box. Today would be a suitable time to check your attitude, actions, and motives for living the way you live.
