Oftentimes famous passages can reveal even deeper truths when we examine the verses before or after them.

One such passage is Philippians 2:12-13.

"Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me - not only in my presence, but now much more so in my absence - work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

"For it is God who works in you - both in your will and in your works - according to His good pleasure."

This is a beloved verse for so many reasons, one of which is its affirmation of my daily personal relationship with my all-loving and all-powerful Heavenly Father, Who has created me solely for His good pleasure. And that pleasure is new each and every day when I seek it, for both Him and for me. It is amazingly comforting!

But here's the thing: Left to my own devices, this "working out my own salvation" can quickly devolve into an egocentric mess. I can quickly end up just checking off all the things on my religious to-do list (Bible study, church-going, prayer group, charities, etc) while a broken and hurting world cries out for Jesus at my doorstep. I can become so preoccupied with my own salvation, I forget I'm supposed to give it away.

That's why the next 3 verses of Philippians 2 are so perfect:

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing,

"so that you may be blameless and pure children of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a perverted and crooked nation (among whom you shine as lights in the world),

"Hold forth the word of life, that I may rejoice on the day of Christ that I have not run for nothing or labored for nothing."

~Philippians 2:14-16

It's as if Paul saw my self-centeredness coming and wanted to make sure that I understood that authentic salvation always looks outward and acts on it. This is not only most pleasing to God, but it makes His Gospel more attractive to the world. It is incredibly powerful.

When it comes to my salvation, this passage reminds me to own it. Then don't.