Stephen talked tonight about how we know when a job is well done. Do we define that as something difficult we did not want to do but can look back on with satisfaction when we have completed it? Or is a job well done something we have taken pleasure in? Do we feel that our belief in Christ constitutes a ‘job well done’ or are we are aware of the ongoing nature of this life in Him?
Acts 3:19 shows us the importance of repentance in our life with Christ. Repentance – turning back to God – is the start of our spiritual journey, but it’s easy to then sit back and rest on our laurels, thinking that once our sins are wiped out, there’s nothing more to be done. Repentance is not just a one-off event, however; it is an ongoing process. Luke 17:1-4 reminds us also of the key place that forgiveness places in our journey: we need to receive God’s forgiveness and then forgive others freely.
The fact that repentance is ongoing is seen through Jesus’ words to the church in Rev 3:3. We have to continually hold on to God, understanding that reluctant obedience is better ultimately than compliant disobedience (see Matt 21:28-31). God knows our hearts, so that nothing is hidden from His sight. We may think we can fool people as to how spiritual we are, but God sees everything and knows our thoughts and motivation.
Ultimately, we are all works in progress. This ‘work’, this job, will not be completed until God calls us home, but as we stand firm in Christ, offering our lives to Him as living sacrifices (Rom 12:1-2), we look forward to the completion of this work by God Himself (see Phil 1:6).