Good work
“that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” Philippians 1:6
Good work – Not all of it counts! God doesn’t take “bad” work and make something of it. Nor does He take just “work”. He begins a good work and then He makes sure it carries through to completion. Let’s not be confused about this. Lots of what we want to call “God’s work” in our lives is not His good work. It’s our effort to do the work we want.
What is “good work”? The phrase uses two Greek words: ergon and agathon. You’ll recognize the first word from our English word energy. That’s work. But the word agathon covers a wide range of meanings. Each part helps us see what Paul has in mind. Agathon is usually rendered “good”. But it also covers “excellent, best, virtuous, upright, useful, benevolent, profitable and distinguished”. The range of meanings offers us some standards to check on our examination of God’s work in us. Maybe these questions will be useful:
- Do you see yourself moving toward excellence in all that you do?
- Do you consider your work the “best” you are able to do?
- Are you moving in the direction of virtuous living?
- Do you discover an inner desire to be morally upright in every action?
- Are you excited about keeping His commandments?
- Do you see your life as useful to Him?
- Do you have a benevolent spirit?
- Is your manner of living profitable for others?
- Are you distinguished as an example of God’s perspective on life?
God is working a good work in us. We ought to find ourselves being molded into the character of this good work.
Look in the mirror. Can you see God’s good work?
