Periodically I find a verse or passage that just seems to jump off of the page to me and I find it necessary to dig into it. As a result, I spend time with the original language and meditating on the passage. The GLT version which is represented below is this result of that time and study. My hope and prayer is that it brings you to a deeper understanding and revelation of this passage.

NASB

‘So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,

GLT VERSION

So then, my dear friends, brothers and sisters, as you have always listened and followed the teachings and instructions that I shared with you by the unction of the Spirit, both when I was with you and when I was absent with reverence and respect towards the Almighty God, diligently work to produce fruit that is evidence of your faith and salvation. It is He who is actively working in you, in whom he delights, to mold and make you more like himself which He brings joy and pleasure to Him. Do everything with a single mind and focus on seeking Him without grumbling or complaining. In doing so you can be proven and determined to be sanctified, set apart, and blameless children of the Most High living holy lives among a crooked, corrupt and perverted generation. In doing so you will appear as bright and shining lights in the darkness demonstrated by this generation.