Well Done

Philippians 1:6
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus".

How did God begin His good work in you? Even though it was over 25 years ago, I can still remember the day that my daughter prayed to accept Jesus into her heart. I wrote the date in her children’s Bible.

As I meditated on this verse different people came to my mind that God brought into my life to begin and continue His good work in me. Who comes to your mind for you?

One thing is for sure; God has orchestrated your life and mine to draw us ever closer to Him. Even before we were born He was working in our lives. "For you (God) created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb."

In the same Psalm David wrote that nothing can keep us from His presence. "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" Time and time again God promises that He will be with us always.

Think about how God began His good work in your life and how He has continued it. Even during those times that we can’t see Him working, He is there.

Like Paul with the Philippians, we can be confident that in the day of Christ Jesus our Heavenly Father will say to us, "Well done my good and faithful servant. Well done".
　
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John 16:25-17:5

I recently watched a reality TV show called the Under Cover Boss.  The owner/CEO of a well-known company goes in disguise and works among his own employees.  He observes how they perform daily tasks relating to their job; often pulling up his own sleeves and getting in the trenches alongside them.  He gets to know his people on a new level, he listens to their hearts.

“Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. (John 16:25)

While this may be a poor analogy for the text today, there is a parallel I find intriguing.  "The Boss" will then face his entire staff, reveal his true identify, and lay out a plan to make the company even more successful. He will further encourage them with a few individual rewards and special thanks for a job well done.  He knows it is their faith in the company that keeps them focused; ensuring they show up every day.

What we don't see are the hundreds and perhaps thousands of employees who are not recognized for their contribution - probably because their performance didn't merit recognition or praise.  They were in the audience, they heard their leader's words of thanks to some and now have the opportunity to change and improve.  In the long run it is their decision.

Jesus spent 32 years on earth sharing His life and working among us.  He understands our struggles and our pain, He has experienced it right alongside us.  Before He returned to The Father, he equipped us to join Him.

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.  I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. (John 17:3-4)

Read the John 16:25-17:5 text at Biblegateway.com