Sixpence None the Richer

"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

Sixpence None the Richer is a famous band that originated from Austin, TX. They are known for hits such as "Kiss me" or "There She Goes." When asked about the origin of their band's name on The Letterman Show in August 1999, this was what Leigh Nash said:

"It comes from a book by C. S. Lewis...called Mere Christianity," she resumed. "A little boy asks his father if he can get a sixpence - a very small amount of English currency - to go and get a gift for his father. The father gladly accepts the gift and he's really happy with it, but he also realizes that he's not any richer for the transaction..." "He bought his own gift," Letterman responded. "That's right," Nash continued. "C.S. Lewis was comparing that to his belief that God has given him, and us, the gifts that we possess, and to serve Him the way we should, we should do it humbly...realizing how we got the gifts in the first place."

Isn't that comforting?

Sometimes we feel discouraged and depressed because we keep trying to evoke desires that we don't have. I can't force myself to love God. In fact, I can do anything that God commands us to do. That's why Paul said that it is God who works in us, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Maybe we need to stop trying so hard to do something that we cannot do but instead ask God to equip us with what we need to please Him.

God, command me and then give me your command.