So, I go to the dentist – I show up – and he is going to do the work. What else do I need to do? I have to position myself for the work. For me, this often means taking my coat off and hanging it, along with my purse on the hook provided. I sit in the chair, submit to the paper bib and relax into the chair while the hygienest eases me back into a prone position. At any point, if I refuse to cooperate, the work cannot be done.

The same is true in the work that God is doing and continues to do in my heart and mind. I need to show up AND position myself for change. It means I put down anything I brought with me — this might be lies I believe about myself, God or others. Willingness to let him rearrange my thinking is imperative. He doesn’t force me; I willingly submit to his work in my life.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Philippians 1:6

The work — transformation into the likeness of Christ — is God’s work. He will continue the work until the last moment of history. We accept God’s gift of salvation and then show up and position ourselves for him to do the work of transformation.

Are you showing up and positioning yourself so he can do the good work in you?