Philippians 2:12

Philippians 2:12 "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."

The heart of the Pastor & Apostle Paul is seen here in this one verse. He tells the church of Philippi that there is an utmost importance for YOU to work out your OWN salvation. He is stressing this point all the more because he is ABSENT. I think the danger is still present today, that we have Christians that are codependent upon pastors to baby, pamper and coddle them. Granted, if you're a "babe in Christ" that will be necessary...but that's not always the case. It is critical that as you grow in Christ that you are no longer dependent upon childish, babe-like treatment. But you become one that is lifting up, not always needing to be lifted up. The New Testament church that we see the Apostle Paul addressing here did not have the luxury of having a pastor that was simply a phone call or a text message away...they had to learn to be mature and WORK OUT THEIR OWN SALVATION.

I honestly am not addressing this to anyone, especially at our church. But I speak to so many pastors and I hear the frustration that is often expressed of saints getting upset because their pastor is not omnipresent or something. Saints, could it be, when your pastor doesn't answer the phone when you feel like you need urgent prayer, doesn't call you up when you miss a service, is not able to visit you when you are in the hospital...that GOD IS WANTING YOU TO DEPEND ON HIM AND GROW CLOSER TO HIM? I guess it could be summarized in one more verse the Apostle Paul gives to us - Ephesians 4:15 "But speaking the truth in love, may GROW UP into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ"