Both To Will and To Do

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; ¹³  for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."

Philippians 2:12-13

I love these verses because they hold forth man's responsibility before God and God's sufficiency to accomplish all.  Followers of Jesus Christ are not saved by good works but we have been saved for them (Eph. 2:10).  We cannot rightly adopt a passive and careless view of our choices or conduct, assuming God will accomplish His will in our lives without our cooperation.  The work of God is not performed through mustering the strength of our flesh, but through faith and obedience to the Holy Spirit who works in us "both to will and to do for His good pleasure."  Our desire to obey God and the ability to do things which please God both arise from Him alone.

To "will" and to "do" are two distinct things.  We may desire to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, but completing the ascent is another matter altogether.  There are also things in life we do because we must, and we can approach and complete tasks devoid of all desire or affection.  A job can become a drudgery, a duty we actually despise.  Yet when it comes to pleasing God through good works, God works in us both to will and to do.  He brings these things together beautifully and makes pleasing our Maker possible and brings satisfaction to our souls.

On my son's cricket team, in batting it is a rare commodity to possess both the will and the ability to bat.  Virtually none of the boys are interested to open against the best bowlers.  Many forced into the role showed they were not able to score runs before losing their wicket!  But occasionally there will be a lad who has the will to be in and the ability to stay in.  When they succeed in a run chase or finish the day "not out," they are all smiles as they walk triumphantly off the pitch.  They had both the will and the ability to endure and succeed.  They are happy with their accomplishment, and I imagine their teammates and parents are glad too.  All men find satisfaction in a job well done, and those who hear "Well done!" from their heavenly Father are infinitely glad as well.

Praise the LORD when we work out our own salvation He works in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure.  That God would partner with men for His glory!