Work to be Done

“But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.” Philippians 1:23-24 NASBS

Beloved in Christ, I pray the word of God ignites a flame of zeal in your deepest affections concerning those who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ. That is, that you would walk in the way of holiness crying out as Paul, “I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.” Please understand, time is fleeting and you will soon be with Jesus. Though to be with Christ is the desire of every Christian, there is much work to be done here. Never again, other than now, will you be able to honor Jesus by disciplining yourself to godliness. Never again will you be able to, “Have mercy on some, who are doubting; saving others, snatching them out of the fire; hating even the garments polluted by the flesh.” For such a time as this you have been called to herald the unfathomable riches of Christ, to know nothing among those who are lost, but Christ and Him crucified. So put on the armor of God and slay Apollyon and all the hordes of hell, while keeping with repentance. Gird yourself with holy violence against the wiles of the flesh as you bring glory to God in yielding to His obedience. Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise men, making the most of your time because the days are evil, getting mastery over all sins and subduing them. Do not let the Devil get a foothold in your life.

Christian, there are only so many sunrises that you will be able to prepare your heart to battle Satan and to declare the majesty of God. There are only so many sunsets that you will be able to reflect upon your life, seeing God’s goodness sustaining you from sin. Therefore, let no one deceive you with empty words, but seek to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.” Think of all those whom the Lord has placed in your life who are bound in chains of darkness. Never forget “that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” So let the word of God sound forth from your lips to everyone you can. Bear witness to them of how Christ saved you. Tell them how He turned you from idols to serve a living and true God. Let them know of the peace you have while waiting for Jesus, whom God raised from the dead, who rescued you from the wrath to come. Beloved, hold fast, for the time of His return is closer now than what it was when you began to read this devotion. “Do not forget the end of your calling. Let your light shine, let your lamp burn, let your fruits be good and many and in season. Let all your thoughts fall in line with the Lord’s thoughts so that he may be magnified in you.” Until then, labor with all diligence make the most of your time.