Fear and Trembling

Philippians 2:¹²Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

It is easy to do the Jesus thing in front of other Christians, but what about when you are around strangers...or even by yourself. Paul knows that they are obedient to God's laws when he is there, but he's not so sure of how they act when he isn't there. It seems like when Paul's away, the party starts. Paul tells the Philippians to be good even more in his absence. The words "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" really stand out to me. I must really reflect on this so I can understand it better and apply it to my life.

Do I really fear the Lord? Not to the point where I am trembling. Definitely not. But shouldn't I fear the Lord in this manner. That when I'm tempted to sin, I tremble at the thought of going through with it because I fear the Lord? If I could apply this to my life, then I think I would have a more pure heart. I've noticed that I default to doing one thing while my head is thinking another. That is not a mark of a sincere person. Like the Philippians, I find it easier to be more like Jesus when other Christians are watching. When I'm not known to be a Christian, I tend to like to stay anonymous. Rather, I should be even more of a Christian because I am called to shine His light in a dark world. May I really grasp the fear of the Lord today.

Heavenly Father, I ask that You instill the fear of You within me. I want to be made more pure. I ask also for Your forgiveness. Help me to be a true follower of Christ. Jesus, may You increase and may I decrease. I love You. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.