Notes of Faith February 21, 2026
Pastor’s Pen Pulpit
March 11, 2001
“A LIFE THAT COUNTS”
Philippians 2:12-16
In this brief passage we see the elements of a life that counts for our Lord Jesus Christ - a quality life!
We need to take responsibility.
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Phil. 2:12-13.
The first major lesson a Christian must learn in his growth pattern is how to take responsibility. This involves developing self-motivation. We are to live our lives through Christ, not through someone else. Furthermore, believers are to take their Christian life seriously. There is way too much “carnival Christianity”.
The believer is to develop a life free from grumbling and complaining.
Do all things without grumbling or disputing (complaining). Phil 2:14.
1. Grumbling and complaining stifles God’s work in your life - v. 13.
2. It paralyzes your ability to respond in cooperation with God - v.12.
3. It mars your witness for the Lord - v. 15.
However, if we develop a life free from grumbling and complaining we are lights in a very dark world.
... that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world. Phil. 2:15.
We are to be witnesses by holding forth the Word of Life to a world that desperately needs it.
.... holding fast the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
Phil. 2:16.
The Word of Life is full of meaning. The Word of Life -
• contains life
• imparts life
• sustains life
• explains life.
I pray that He will enable us to look at life and all people created in His image, through His eyes and not our own. God bless.
Love to you all,
Pastor Charles Covington
The true Christian life is a life of purpose and meaning. We follow Jesus and let Him lead our hearts through the gifting that He gives us to meet our needs, (our jobs and desires of our heart) and the needs of our family and even those around us…the community in which God has given us to witness and testify of Him. This description of life is what true living is all about. Walking by faith, trusting in the leading of the Holy Spirit, always seeking to discern the will of God and doing it. We will walk with God eternally, but would you not rather lay up treasure in heaven now to be rewarded by God when you are with Him forever? Let us work hard at living a life pleasing to God, looking forward to hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master.”
Pastor Dale