Holy Work

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12–13

D.L. MOODY
I have very little sympathy with any man who has been redeemed by the precious blood of the Son of God and who has not got the “spirit” of work. If we are children of God, we ought not to have a lazy drop of blood in our veins. If a man tells me he has been saved and does not desire to work for the honor of God, I doubt his salvation. 
Laziness belongs to the old creation, not to the new. In all my experience, I never knew a lazy man to be converted—never. I have more hope for the salvation of drunkards and thieves and harlots than of a lazy man.

ERWIN LUTZER
Of course, a lazy man can be converted but, as Moody pointed out, if you are lazy after you claim conversion, others are right to question your conversion. Simply put, conversion results in both a new nature and a new motivation. God will test our works by fire to reveal whether they are gold, silver, precious stones—or wood, hay, and straw (1 Corinthians 3:12). Christians are no longer under condemnation, but we will give an account for our faithfulness, or lack of it (2 Corinthians 5:10). So, Paul said, “Work out your own salvation with fear and with trembling.”
“Fear and trembling” you ask? Yes, but not a soul-destroying fear, like a servant has of an unpredictable master. It’s the kind of fear between a son and a father. I’m grateful my father would have never neglected or disowned me. But a look from my father compelled me to obey! 
The bottom line: No true Christian wants to hear Jesus say, “You wicked and slothful servant!” (Matthew 25:26).

PRAYER
Father, show me the doors you have opened for me, and may I have the initiative to walk through them, wholly committed to work with you and for you.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What does it mean to fear God? Why should believers fear God?

How has your relationship with Christ changed your motivations and priorities?