Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life--in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 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 2:14-18 (NIV)
It is God Who enables us to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to walk as Jesus walked reflecting His light to all in our spheres of influence. He both calls and equips His saints. He has not left us as orphans. Salvation is far more than simply our ticket to heaven. It is also our work here on earth. He has plans created before the creation of the world for us to walk in. Jesus came to make the Father’s heart known and He has left us here after conversion primarily for the same reason. It is not simply to entertain and indulge ourselves to death. We are not our own, we have been bought by a high price and we are therefore to honor God with all that we say and do and think.
In the above passage, Paul gives us specific instructions on how to work out God’s good purpose that He has worked in us. God does not need us, rather He gives us an opportunity to be used. This is always for our ultimate good and His glory one never surpassing the other. To walk as Jesus walked is the highest calling one can have – no matter what else the world may tout. One fine day this will all be made pristinely clear. We are to take His mission for our lives seriously manifesting His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in ever increasing measure. All the while remembering Whose we are and Whom we serve. We will never outgive Him. Every believing heart is to play a part. Our words and actions are to point to Him the Giver of all and not to us. Remember, the One Who gives the power gets the glory.
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6 (NIV)