SCRIPTURE: Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:12-13 NIV
THOUGHT: Most foodies will know that IN·N·OUT is a popular burger destination in the southwest and western U.S., but what does that have to do with faith?
Christ-followers are part of a tag team with the very God of the Universe (yes, the same one who said he loves the aroma of meat cooking! Gen. 8:21). On the day we say ‘yes’ to God’s invitation to be IN·N·OUT people, he comes to live IN us, bringing the gift of our salvation with him. We begin to work OUT what that means, and more literally, work it out from the center of our lives to the edges, like yeast is worked out through dough, to stick with the food theme. And, even as we work it out (and this is my favorite part), God is right there helping us want what is good and pure and right, and act on what he is teaching us. Thank God, we are not alone in our pursuit of faith. You wouldn’t expect the drive thru to hand you just a bun with condiments, or just a patty without bun, would you? No, they work together to shape a satisfying IN·N·OUT experience, just like salvation and sanctification work together to shape a Christian life. Once salvation is sure, there is still so much to learn. We wouldn’t stop after the first bite of the tastiest burger ever, would we?
And, just like the burger franchise promises, there’s “no delay” for the gift of salvation. After that, you just have to slow down and enjoy the IN·N·OUT journey.
PRAYER: What a treat to be in partnership with you, oh God, as we live out what you have put in us.
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Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
Check out Walking When You’d Rather Fly, and learn more about the book and Amy’s other ministries. You will also find her devotional work at Words of Hope.
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