Philippians 2:12-18

Philippians 2:12-18 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  It's easy to read verse 12 and think that Paul is telling you to figure out your own salvation, as though it's a homework problem that you turn in to the teacher at the end of your life and hope you get a passing grade.  It's critical as Christians that we have a proper understanding of this verse.
  When we're told to work out our salvation, think of it this way -- we've been given a gift (our salvation), but we don't quite know how best to use it.  Our responsibility, then, is to work out how best to use it.  It's a tremendous gift, the most important thing we will ever receive, and a powerful gift, so we should use it carefully.  We're not to be careless with it, because if we're irresponsible, we could hurt others.  So let us approach it with fear and trembling, recognizing that God has given us something we did not earn, something so powerful that it will allow us to defeat death!  The knowledge of such a gift, and the self-awareness that we absolutely do not deserve it, should lead us to gratitude and joy, so that we don't have grumbling or disputing.
  Let us be glad and rejoice.  I challenge you to reach out to one person today and bring some joy into their life.  Send them a handwritten note, or order them flowers, or sit with them when they are sick, or tell them you love them.  Find some way to spread joy to at least one person -- the joy that comes with experiencing the selfless love of another.