Key Text: Philippians 2:12 KJV - Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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.

Believers who live and walk before men are men-pleasers and do not have the fear of God. They may pretend to obey the word of God whenever they are among the people of God. However, in the absence of fellow believers, especially their leaders, they can even quarrel and fight for their rights in disobedience to God's word. The true measure of obedience to the word of God is tested outside the Church, among the unbelievers.  

Joseph was a God fearing young man in his father's house. He did what was right because of the fear of God; not just to please his father. Because of the fear of God, when his obedience was tested in a foreign land, Joseph passed the test. The wife of his master enticed him to commit immorality with her: although, he was at liberty to do whatever he wanted, the fear of God and his love for God constrained him.  

Many believers today are quite unlike Joseph, manifesting chameleonic tendencies: they obey God in the Church but disobey Him at home and at the work place. Let your life be governed by the fear of the Lord, especially among people who do not know that you are a Christian. Be an ambassador of Christ wherever you go. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Prayer: O Lord, let your fear govern my life in the secret and in the open, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Reflection: But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments - Matthew 23:5.