So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me. Philippians 2:12-18

Once you really know what Christianity is all about, what salvation really means, there’s “fear and trembling” that you’ll get it right, so there’s obedience. Things will now be done without “grumbling and disputing,” whereas before, perhaps not, and this new spirit is noticeable to all.

Now the objective is to be “blameless and innocent,” putting you squarely at odds with the “crooked and perverse” generation in which we live.

If this brand of Christianity can be pulled off, our lights will stand out as stars in a country sky, and the word of God will be illumined for all to read.

Our faith will be practically implemented through “sacrifice and service,” actions increasingly rare in a dark world.

We all have something to prove (v. 15) in this race called life. The “day of Christ” is upon us! And know this, if we do the work, he will be pleased upon his return.