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. Philippians 2:12-13
“There are multitudes in our congregations who are just waiting while they ought to be acting. They must work, if they would have God work in them. There can be no religion without obedience.”
Ichabod Spencer in Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers, compiled by Josiah Hotchkiss Gilbert (New York: Wilbur B. Ketcham, 1895) 122.
This is one of those mysteries of the faith. As we work our our faith, God works in us. The operative factor is obedience. We don’t figure it out until we live it out. That’s how the faith works in general, and specifically with regard to to teachings of Jesus on money.
Most people don’t obey them. Rather than enjoy and share all God richly supplies, most people hold on it money, and it takes hold on them. This was my story for years. In Spencer’s words, I was waiting instead of acting. Is that you and your story?
What might it look like for you to take a step of obedience? Sit with the Lord. Ask Him if there’s a teaching with regard to money you that you need move from waiting to acting on. Whatever comes to mind, do it. Don’t wait. The time for obedience is today.