July 22: The Love Response

Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22

The one who truly humbles himself and looks to God for salvation will—in an instant—be set on a new path: the path of righteousness. Though his circumstances have not visibly altered, there is an inexplicable joy that boldly takes a seat in the very midst of those circumstances. This spirit of joy, which is linked to hope, crowds out the spirit of hopelessness, one of the discouraging tares that Satan has planted to draw us into his deadly schemes. Jesus said, “An enemy has done this.” (Matthew 13:28)

Looking to the Savior has a distinctly uplifting effect. This new paradigm brings with it a compassionate perception of the needs of others. One of God’s purposes in saving us is to give us a role in His plan of redemption. This is the highest honor and privilege given to man. We are appointed as messengers of His redeeming love. If accepted, the appointment brings an ever-deepening joy. Acting in faith over concern for the needs of others is what it means to work out your own salvation. It should become as natural as breathing. This is not “salvation by works” as is erroneously taught in many modern churches. It is the love response for what Almighty God has already done in the heart of those who fear Him. His way is to empower His obedient ones with the very same power that raised Jesus from the dead (see Romans 6:4). The apostle Paul, when writing to thank the believers at Philippi for their generous help in his time of great need, wrote a model for Christian unity of purpose which, if heeded, brings about progress and joy of faith (Philippians 1:25).

Therefore, my beloved, as you 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. Philippians 2:12

“God might have committed the message of the gospel, and all the work of loving ministry, to the heavenly angels. He might have employed other means for accomplishing His purpose. But in His infinite love, He chose to make us co-workers with Himself, with Christ, and the angels, that we might share the blessing, the joy, the spiritual uplifting, which results from this unselfish ministry.” FOOTSTEPS by Ellen G. White

…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2