God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. It is the working of God in your heart that makes you desire a better world. The redemptive work of God within the world comes from a place of love, according to John 3:16-17. God loves the world so much that he made plans for its salvation, redemption, and healing. If you have this same love in your heart, you will seek your world’s salvation, redemption, and well-being. To love someone or something is to wish for their betterment. You now see that it is the love of God in your heart that wills you to influence your world for God.
A lot of Christians avoid engaging the world due to bad doctrine. They imagine that working in the culture, business, economy or governance will compromise their walk with God. This is false. Philippians 2:13 (ESV) says, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Jesus said people will glorify your father in heaven when they see your good works here on earth. Not just your good works amongst your Christian community, but the world at large. You need to understand that it is the love of God in your heart that makes you desire to salt and light up your world.
St Augustine is paraphrased as saying, “love God and do whatever you please: for the soul trained in love to God will do nothing to offend the One who is Beloved.” Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” There is nothing in the world that is capable of compromising your walk of faith, virtue and power. As long as you do not wish to be compromised. You need to stop thinking that you will lose your salvation if you engage in the marketplace. If you love God. And your mission is an outflow of the workings of God in your heart. You are in a good position. If you love God, you will not cower in the church. You will seek the greater good of your world.
