Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13)
The processionary caterpillar is a strange creature. Feeding primarily off of pine needles, the caterpillars will follow one another around in a line. When the leader proceeds, the followers proceed. When the leader eats, they all eat. Put them on the rim of a jar or pot, however, they follow one another in circles until they starve, even if the jar is full of pine needles.
How often do Christians starve while following another Christian? We lose sight of the true source of our food, our Father who provides for us, and become focused only on a human.
Paul encourages us to work out our salvation with God. In other words, develop a personal relationship with our Savior, and follow and obey him. If we do that, then, when those around us spin around in circles, we will step out of line, follow the true path, and not conform to the confused.
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