14. Fear and Trembling
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Philippians 2: 12-18
Holy God, I’m sorry for every time I have responded to those who disagree with me with anger and frustration. Especially when I have done it while trying to represent you. It shows me the many ways I fall short of your glory. Thank you that you will use me anyway. Thank you that you will replace my words of frustration with words of love, inspired by THE word. Father, it is hard to love one another when our divisions are so deep. But that’s not reason enough to not do it anyway. Anyone can do that. But Father God let my life point people to you by the way I respond in love, even when I deeply disagree with someone, or when I see false witness. You are the just one, allow me to rest in that knowledge and not feel as though it is up to me to bring the justice you already hold in your hands. Thank you for your faithfulness to me as I stumble and bumble and fall. This is what makes you great. No other god is like you. Hallelujah. Amen.