In Philippians 2:12-13, the bible says, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

These are really important verses. If I were to distill the meaning into one phrase, it would simply be this: Live the Gospel!

God has so much in store for His children; but in order for them to experience the abundance of blessings that exists, the children of God must live the gospel every day.

The reason so many Christians do not experience the abundance of blessings that Christ seeks to give (see Eph 1:3) is because they are too busy attempting to be blessed by the world. Remember James, the half brother of Jesus, said, “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4).

At the bare minimum, it is reasonable to assume that seeking to be blessed by the world does not please the Father! I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not make God my enemy. It seems that all that is needed to accomplish that undesirable feat is to love the world and the things in the world. I’ll pass.

However, Peter tells us that there is “Joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” for the children of God (1 Peter 1:8). I don’t think God intends for that joy to be deferred. It is available now.

How do you get it? I’m glad you asked. It’s simple. Live the Gospel every day.

The gospel is not meant to be believed on only. It is meant to be lived. When we live the gospel, we enter into a spiritual state that brings, peace, joy, hope, love … in fact, it brings all those wonderful things the bible calls the “Fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5:22-23).

Is the Fruit of the Spirit evident in your life? If not, ask the Lord to help you go from believing the gospel to living it!