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.

Do you still need a babysitter?

In the early years of your life, your parent, your teacher, your babysitter, or whomever was always watching to make sure you did what you were told. As you got older, even though you should have needed less supervision, there was still someone there to make sure you did not get out of line. The responsibility for your actions did not completely rest on you. However, there came a time when you were expected to do what you had been taught, on your own. Were you able to; are you able to; whether you were being watched or not? The same principle applies with your God-given assignment.

Philippians 1:27 Only [be sure to] lead your lives in a manner [that will be] worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I do come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit [and one purpose], with one mind striving side by side [as if in combat] for the faith of the gospel. (Amplified Bible, AMP)

Being on assignment means you are mature. It means you don’t need someone else to tell you what God requires of you. You don’t need someone else to tell you when you have done something right or wrong.

1 John 2:27 But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do]. (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition AMPC)

You can go to God for yourself, actually He wants and expects you to. You can hear God when He speaks.

John 10:27 The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me. (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition AMPC)

You work with “reverential fear” and awe. God holds you responsible. You will answer to Him alone and for yourself. Be encouraged because God will let you know when you have done wrong. Why? Because He loves you, and He chastises you (Hebrews 12:6). But He wants you to fulfill your assignment. He desires for you to represent Him on the earth correctly.

Titus 2:7-8 And in all things show yourself to be an example of good works, with purity in doctrine [having the strictest regard for integrity and truth], dignified, 8 sound and beyond reproach in instruction, so that the opponent [of the faith] will be shamed, having nothing bad to say about us. (Amplified Bible, AMP)

Don’t forget, you are to be the image of an all-powerful and all mighty God; you speak for the creator of the universe (you should tremble at the idea of it). Take off your shoes, the place where you stand is holy.

2 Corinthians 1:12 This is our [reason for] proud confidence: our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world [in general], and especially toward you, with pure motives and godly sincerity, not in human wisdom, but in the grace of God [that is, His gracious lovingkindness that leads people to Christ and spiritual maturity]. (Amplified Bible, AMP)

Your responsibility is higher, and therefore the cost of needing a babysitter is too. Do you remember the priest, in the temple of old, with the bells on the bottom of his clothing? What happened when they stopped ringing (Exodus 28:35)?

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, You have called me to the place where I don’t need anyone to oversee my actions. You have provided my assignment. My actions should glorify You. My love for You and my relationship with You should govern what I say and what I do. I repent for every time I misrepresented You. I don’t have to get approval from any man; Jesus’ death tore the veil. I can come to You for myself and by myself. I am grateful for the Holy Spirit. He is the ever present. He serves as my conscious and guide. He will prick me when necessary. I want to know more about You. I don’t want to have to be pricked constantly. Help me submit to Your word and His guidance, as I walk closer and closer to You every day. I want to be close enough to You I choose what is right, because I know it’s right. I want to respond appropriately, because I know it is appropriate. Please chastise me, because I am Yours. I want to walk in reverential fear, and I tremble at the thought of disobeying You. Help me embrace this life You have designed for me, as I come to You for direction. Keep me humble, yet bold…

Ask the Lord what He wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal His response as described here.