September 2, 2010
Philippians 1
Pastor Jeff Allen
Under Construction
I don’t understand myself at all! I really want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do everything I hate…When I want to do good, I don’t. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway.
Does this sound familiar? Paul, the man who wrote 13 books of the Bible, penned words similar to those in the seventh chapter of his letter to the Roman church. Honestly, I sometimes feel the same way. In a moment of transparency, we see that Paul is human, just like us. For example, I want to drive like a responsible adult, but sometimes when “those people” cut me off I just want to pretend suddenly that I don’t know how to drive either!
However, contrast the words above with Paul’s letter to the church of Philippi: “I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.” (Philippians 1:6, NLT)
Paul’s words are true. Although I sometimes wonder “why do I do that?” or “why did I react that way?,” I can be assured that God is not finished with me yet. He is consistently developing my character. The same is true of you also. We do our best to honor God in our lives, but still need to remember that we are human and under construction. You are not perfect. You have imperfections and, if this is true of you, it is also true of others.
So be patient with yourself and others. You and I will continue to be under construction and so will “those people.”
Pastor Jeff directs “The Studio,” Grace Covenant’s ministry to 3rd-5th grade children and their families. The Studio takes place in the “worship modular” behind the main church building.
