Working Benefits

George Osborn will announce today, so we are told, that some people 'out of work' will have to work to gain their benefits. This change is designed in order to break the perceived 'something for nothing' culture.

In many areas of life, there are benefits from working at something. 

Marriages benefit when both parties are prepared to work at their difficulties, rather than just argue and fight. And we could all add many other ways in which some form of work has a benefit - such as remedial exercises for those recovering from a heart attack.

In our relationship with God through trust Jesus, the same principle applies. 

St. Paul, to his friends in Philippi, sets out the two sides of the relationship. First, he focuses on God's work in us. '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)

It is striking that Paul twice mentions the work that God is doing in our lives. It all starts and finishes with Him.

But we have a part to play as well. 'Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.' (Philippians 2.12)

In this hard work, which Paul challenges us to undertake, there are wonderful benefits, both in our own lives and in the lives of others. So Paul reminds us again that we have a working partnership with the God who made the universe. This brings us great benefits. 'For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.' (Philippians 2.13)

So I must ask whether you are working at developing your own Christian life? Today is a good day to make a fresh commitment to partner with God in his work in you.

Best wishes,

Richard