So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose. Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world.
Philippians 2:12-15 HCSB
Here there are a few disturbing words: obey and fear and trembling. At first glance is appeared the readers are called to obey Paul and be fearful of God. While this is the cold understanding of the scripture, there is more: we obey the scripture and our leaders as they lead us in truth not as slaves who do not question. Before God we work out our salvation in faith and trust.
Although modern men and women do not like to be told to obey as in children obey your parents, nonetheless if we do not obey the laws of the land we find ourselves in jail. Therefore it is wise for us to choose to obey scripture amd obey our leaders. If we are asked to not park in a certain spot at church, and leave it for the elderly amd disabled, then, without grumbling, we should even if it is closer to the door and we pride ourselves in getting a good spot close to the door. If we are asked not to take coffee into the sanctuary, we should listen.
Obeying scripture is wisdom. If we find ourselves challenging scripture we will go astray and lead our families astray. If God's word says it we should listen and obey. Amen!
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