The Challenge of Growing Through Good Works

Acting in the manner of Christ is more than doing something for Him. The first is focused on faith; the second, on what human beings can do. It is impossible to meet God’s expectations if we focus on what we might do for Him

because we will never reach a state of satisfaction that leaves us completely enthused. We will always feel that there is something more we need to do. A life based on what we do for God will inevitably put God in second place and, in the long run, bring a certain self-exaltation and pride. Christians gain a new perspective on holiness if, as we work with God, we become convinced that our life in Christ is founded on what He has already done (and does every day) for us.

My first response to the metamorphosis of conversion was to sign up for every task “for God” that came along. And if none came along, I made one up for myself. I was convinced that “spending myself for God” by accumulating hours of service and dedication in any kind of work was the right thing to do. Years later, God made me understand that I was mistaken. Rather than finding in my faith the reason for working on behalf of the gospel of Christ, I was more focused on what I thought would bring me greater blessing. I delighted in making plans for Christ and unconsciously tried to carry them out with my own resources. I cared more about works—that is, my human performance and productivity—than about my faith. It seemed to me that without good works it was impossible to please God.

I know my intentions were good, and I also know that the Lord forgave me for those missteps that come with first love. The excitement of first love brings this kind of foolishness, and sometimes the enemy uses our good intentions to lead us away from divine purposes. God’s purpose for us is not that we become good people and do good deeds, but that we know Him more each day through faith, so that through faith we may become advocates and doers of good works. Steven Furtick has rightly said: “Christianity is not about turning bad people into good people, but about bringing those who are dead to life.”

The new life in Christ, received by faith, is lived by faith, grounded in faith, and nourished by faith, so that doing good works becomes natural as a result of that new DNA Christ established in our hearts forever. The Apostle James, in addressing the teaching of divine wisdom, said that anyone who considered himself wise should show his wisdom through a testimony of good works done with gentleness (James 3:13).

Good deeds (works) say a great deal about our faith in Christ. Doing good is not a matter of doctrine or creed, nor of displaying our good treatment of our neighbor in the showcase of human misery while seeking recognition and the approval of others. Rather, it is a matter of glorifying God through fitting action (good works) toward others, grounded in faith that responds, first and foremost, to the fulfillment of His will. The Lord warns us about this: “Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness in front of people to attract attention. If you do, your Father in heaven will give you no reward” (Matt. 6:1). No further comment is needed. Jesus warns us about the sin of pride, vainglory, and the pursuit of acceptance (from God and from others) when we perform works and good deeds rooted in self-satisfaction and vanity. Whoever has not fallen into this subtle trap of the devil, “let him cast the first stone”!

As we grow in saving faith, the good deeds we do increase our spiritual stature. The giants of faith—whether Daniel, Joseph, Elijah, Paul, or Jesus Himself—were moved to do good among people because their faith was unshakable and their devotion to the Father was a way of life.

So we must add the fruits of good works to our faith. This is part of a Christian’s growth in every aspect of life. What do we gain by professing great faith and hiding the virtues of the true Gospel if we deny a brother or sister the privilege of being blessed by a good deed, a gesture of solidarity in hardship, or an encouraging embrace when they need one? James affirms that works bring faith to perfection when the two act as a whole, when they complement each other for the good of our neighbor. Referring to Abraham when he offered his son Isaac on the altar, James said, “You see: His faith and his works acted together, and his faith reached perfection through the works he did.” (James 2:22).

We conclude with a beautiful affirmation, perhaps the statement that should most encourage us to act with faith and good works in an age of such selfishness and self-worship: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to put into practice. (Eph. 2:10 NIV). In other words, because we have been born of God, we are able to do what is good and reject what is evil. He had always conceived this in His generous plan for our lives, so that we might make it a reality through our faith in Jesus Christ for the benefit of others.

God bless you!