“for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13
God created man and woman after HIS image. He made them to have free agency. Like himself, HE has given us the ability to imagine, create, and choose. At the same time, HE has given us a heart of self-preservation. We are naturally self-centered. Whatever we desire, we can immediately pursue, or we can delay gratification. It is our choice. It also takes willpower to refrain. This is the battle with the self between the mind, heart, and will.
Yet Paul writes here that God is also at work in us. This raises the question: How can we be considered free if God can manipulate us according to HIS will?
A friend and I recently had this discussion. He was scratching his head and asked this question. How can we be free people if God could manipulate us like a Marionette string puppet?
Yes, God is sovereign. He has the last word. He can intervene and do what HE wants to do anytime and anyplace. Yet, HE made humanity to function after HIS image, though limited in the physical realm. The book of Genesis states that humanity has authority over everything on earth. God has given us the responsibility and accountability to perform. To make this a flourishing world. Yet what happens when we fail to fulfill our responsibility? Who are we accountable too?
HE wouldn’t be God if HE would close HIS eyes so we could destroy everything HE has made. What parent would allow their children to destroy everything around them including themselves?
This Scripture is addressing the believer. One who has already chosen to surrender their kingdom under the authority of King Jesus. As a believer, Jesus lives in you via the Holy Spirit. He is your Lord and Friend. He is there to walk with you and share HIS life with you. As HE shares HIS life with us, we learn to share our life with HIM. Life then becomes like a ballroom dance. The two are working together around the dance floor of life. They are acting in unison to the rhythm of the music expressing themselves with the sounds and beat. The two operate as one.
God’s work and pleasure is for your training and development of becoming more like HIM. HE will take the time to discipline us. HE will take the time to support us in doing good work for HIS glory. His desire is for you to find rest in HIM. To learn and appreciate the grace HE provides to help you live a meaningful life – now and into eternity. If you don’t want HIS involvement in your life, HE will keep hands off. HE respects you and HIMSELF to follow the relationship boundaries HE has placed at the start.
No, humans are not puppets on a string. But free agents able to choose which partner we will dance with through life. So, choose wisely.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats: (* indicates audio version now available
at Apple Books)
- Power Up With Jesus Book Series- Aspirations for a Grace-Paced Life *
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ *
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: A Life-Giving Worldview *
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
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Radical In Christ 