A Vested Interest

June 2, 2021

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 NLT

This faithfulness thing is hard, right? True faithfulness, fruit of the Spirit, Jesus-follower style, is something that we can’t do on our own. It is far more than simple willpower and trying hard. It is something that requires God’s intervention on our behalf. Fortunately, God is deeply invested in our spiritual maturity and growth. He has a vested interest in our faithfulness. It really matters to Him.

Our salvation is not primarily about making heaven. Jesus didn’t die to pay for your ticket to heaven. He paid the price for our redemption—redemption from a useless and harmful way of life to a healthy, purposeful relationship with God and people. The goal of our salvation is an intimate relationship with God that grows us and enables us to become more and more like Jesus Christ. In the process we also get heaven. If you read the New Testament, you will note that the early believers were not afraid of death because they knew that because Jesus lived, they would live also. But they were not focused on heaven. They were focused on becoming like Jesus.

Jesus Christ is the epitome of faithfulness. John 13:1 says He was faithful to His own followers even unto death. He is faithful to never change (Hebrews 13:8) and to always keep His promises (Hebrews 10:23). This gives us assurance for His power in our lives. He will never leave us; never forsake us. He will always be the source of strength for us as we trust Him.

Therefore, to be increasingly like Jesus means that we will grow in faithfulness and dependability. God began His work in us when He drew us to Himself and we understood what Jesus had done for us. It is a good work! He is committed to continue working with us and in us to see the goal accomplished. It will not be finally accomplished until the day that Christ Jesus returns.

You and I can be distinguished by faithfulness. It’s God’s commitment to work within us. If we are committed to work with Him, we will become identified by our character of faithfulness.

  • How do you sense God working with you to grow your likeness to Christ?
  • Talk to Him now and ask Him to help you surrender anything that stands in your way.