Portraits of Salvation, Part Three: A Lifetime Membership
Philippians 2:12-13
Portraits of Salvation Collection
In the fashion of how Rod Serling would introduce each episode of The Twilight Zone -
“Imagine, if you will, a father who gives each of his two sons lifetime memberships to the YMCA and instructs them in the benefits of proper nutrition and continuous training and conditioning throughout their lives … “
One brother was faithful to work out each week, was careful with his nutrition, and got an appropriate amount of rest to rejuvenate his physical stamina, emotional balance, and mental acuity.
The other brother began slowly slacking off over the years. At first, he would miss a workout or two each month, then each week, until finally, he would go to the gym sporadically when his conscience would pique guilt over his slothfulness. Eventually, this neglect took its toll.
Throughout this time, their father would gently encourage them to be faithful. He constantly provided opportunities for them to put this training to good use in their work in the family business.
The one son excelled and was given greater responsibilities to grow and expand his role in the business. Although he had reason to be haughty and show disdain for his brother, he was always humbled by the fact that it all started with a gift from his father that he didn’t deserve or earn. It was now his responsibility to cultivate and multiply the effects of that gift and encourage his brother to do the same.
Even though he knew that his father was very busy, his door was always open. He told him that he could come at any time for advice, clarification, and encouragement about how he should proceed with a particular assignment.
The other son never grew past entry level. He was continuously frustrated with his life and jealous of his brother’s success.
He had the same membership, with access to his father and all the same resources and opportunities to train and exercise his heart, mind, and body as his brother, yet he chose not to take advantage of it.
His brother would constantly try to encourage him and create progressive workout plans to help him maximize his abilities.
Sporadically, he would make an attempt to change, to be more faithful to work out, but within a short period of time, he was right back to where he had been.
His father was grieved over this son’s lack of desire or will to faithfully work out his membership. He was perplexed that he would not endure the hard things in order to enjoy the fruit of the endeavor.
Yet he loved both of them equally. They were both his sons. They would always be his sons. They were always welcomed at his table.
Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, WORK OUT your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Notice Paul says work “out” your salvation, not “for” your salvation.
In our analogy today, both sons had lifetime memberships, yet only one faithfully took advantage of that membership. Though the other son had the same access and privileges, he chose to neglect them.
Salvation and subsequent life in Christ have been offered as a permanent gift (see part one) to anyone who will accept it, What we do with it is in our hands. We do not have to continually “qualify” to keep the gift, but to enjoy the benefits and fruit of the gift, we must continually “work out” the plan we have been given by our Heavenly Father.
What about you? Have you received the gift of Eternal life? Are you faithfully working it out according to the plan? Are you taking advantage of Father’s “open door” policy?
It’s never too late to either accept the gift of Eternal Life or to begin working that life out to please the Father who loves you and wants His best for you.
Go to Him today and ask him how you can serve Him.
Father, I am so thankful for the gift of Eternal life. It saddens me that so many times, I neglect to take advantage of the unlimited benefits of this gift and yet there is a standing invitation to come to you at any time for advice, strength, encouragement, and refreshment.
Father, help me and any others who may find it difficult to remain faithful, particularly when the times are tough and we are weary of the struggle.
I love you, Father and I want to please you in all my thoughts and words and work.
And thank you for Jesus, through whom you have given us this great gift.
Amen
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How many parables, in and out of the Bible, start out, "A man had two sons"?
Wonderful! Reminds me of Psalm 103 where we are similarly challenged to “forget not” the benefits of the Lord: he forgives, heals, redeems, crowns and satisfies, renewed like an eagle, picture of strength and beauty! His mercy is everlasting, even to the next generations, if we “keep the covenant and remember to do his commands.” Yes, Lord, may we not forget the unlimited benefits, but “keep and remember!”