for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Phil. 2:13
One of my friends asked a question. Should I wait until “I change” my bad habits completely and become perfect before I take baptism? This is a typical question we encounter during baptism. If “we” try to transform ourselves, it is like a new year promise. In January, we are very serious about the change (ex: diet), but eventually, as the year progresses, it fades away.
But today’s verse reminds us that “it is God who works in you.” God, in His infinite wisdom and love, not only calls us to transformation but actively participates in the process. Once God works in us, the change is permanent. The God who spoke galaxies into existence is intimately involved in the intricate details of our lives, shaping our character and molding us into vessels of His grace. Let us surrender to the work of God in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure.