We’ve been looking at scripture for the words and phrases that grab our attention. For me, the first sentence has a very serious tone – work hard, obey God, deep reverence and fear. It seemed so heavy that I intentionally included the next verse. Words like desire and pleasing soften the gravity, but we can’t ignore the command to take very seriously the responsibility that comes with our salvation.
I sometimes like to look at The Message to see if I’m reading the scripture correctly. It says: Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God Himself willing and working at what will give Him the most pleasure.
This translation provides the same ‘faith without works is dead’ message. With the acceptance of God’s love comes a responsibility to share that love with others and to energetically do God’s work here on earth. He will provide all that we need to do so.
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Do you accept God’s grace casually? Or do you feel a responsibility to serve Him energetically?
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