The Work in You

The end of 2020 is in sight, and probably no one will be sad to see it go. It has been a tough year for all of us. But even in a such a difficult year, we should see something exceptionally good. As Christians, there is one measure of this past year which we ought to care most about. That is the measure of increased perfection we have attained in Christ.

God is working to form you into His image. Has that work advanced in your life this year? He wants you to be "perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). You should consider this challenging time as "all joy...knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience" (James 1:2-3). The year's difficulty serves to increase "the genuineness of your faith" which is "much more precious than gold that perishes" (1 Peter 1:7). If your love for God and neighbor has deepened and your confidence in His salvation has strengthened, then 2020 has been a resounding success.

Though we cannot yet see all the purposes of God in our lives, we can sense His progressing work in us. A year is a long time, and if we have been diligent and faithful to our calling, we should see some maturing over its course. If you have been faithfully doing your part, you should perceive your increasing perfection in Christ. When you strive for that perfection, God works to bring you to completion in Christ. For "it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). God is faithful, and Paul was "confident...that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).

So, as we prepare to turn the calendar page to another year, let us continue striving for perfection. Then God will do the work in us, and bring us "to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13). For "we are His workmanship" (Ephesians 2:10)! Therefore, brethren, may God "make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight" (Hebrews 13:21)!

Warm regards,

Andy

Pastor