What kind of works are you doing? Works are defined as deeds of service that we do for others. For some this involves volunteering once or twice a year; doing an act of kindness. Many consistently volunteer to help the needy, less fortunate, widows, orphans, their community or the church. And still others participate in domestic or global missions. Let's examine the three types of works that the Bible talks about.
The first type is called "good works." These are deeds that we do in response to the will of God. They are based upon faith and our new identity in Christ. Good deeds can involve simple actions such as giving someone a ride to the grocery store, visiting the elderly, or providing meals to the hungry. They also entail activities that involve heavy labor such as rebuilding homes, putting in clean water systems, or cleaning up after a disaster. While many of these works are invisible to others, some will be visible just because of the nature of the service. Believers are called to be both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Matthew 5:16 tells us, "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." When we do good deeds, moreover, our motives are right. Our heart is to please God. God alone gets the glory for our actions. Hebrews 13:16 says, "And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God." Good works are not done to obtain salvation, but come from the result of salvation. Our good works are based on the righteous that comes from. Christ.
The second type is called "evil works." Evil works can come from within or have an outer display. Racism, murder, hatred are some examples of evil works. In Mark 7:20 it says, "It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All of these vile things come from within; they are what defile you." Other evil works involve dissension, selfish ambition, anger, idolatry, drunkenness and sorcery. While some evil works can be hidden temporarily, they are usually easy to identify or discern. We see these reported on the news often or in the headlines. These are works that come from people still living in darkness.
The last type of work is call "dead works." There are some really nice people engaging in dead works. Dead works can be done by anyone with or without faith in God. Many of these people may have the name of God on their lips, but their hearts are far from God. Their motives are not pure. For many their acts of service may just be a checkoff on a list of things to do. For others it may involve a tax write off or a way to satisfy the volunteer hours required on their jobs. Usually the work is to please men. The most familiar example of dead works are found in the Book of Revelation. The message to the Church in Sardis is, "I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive - but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again." Moreover, there are people of various religious beliefs who do works to obtain "salvation." This is dead works. Many who engage in this type of work have outwardly impressive lives, but their foundation is faulty without faith in Jesus Christ. Those who demonstrate dead works have a type of self-righteousness which is like filthy garments in the sight of God.
God gives us tremendous opportunities to serve Him by serving others. However, sometimes we may grumble or have an attitude about how and what He calls us to do. I remember once griping about what God asked me to do, and the Holy Spirit spoke quite clearly and said, "You don't have to do it." I immediately stopped in my tracks as I listened to His rebuke. He said, "I am giving you an opportunity to serve me. If you don't do it, I will find someone else." I cried and repented. The Holy Spirit reminded me what a joy and honor it is to serve God and others. He didn't need to find someone else, I was willing. Occasionally when I get weary in helping others, the Holy Spirit gently reminds me of this incident. He brings to my remembrance that I said, "YES" to whatever He called me to do. And, when I need rest and my strength renewed, He is faithful to re-energize.
As you consider the type of works that you are doing before God, stop and ask yourself "why." It behooves us to examine our motives and make sure our hearts are right with God. In 2 Corinthians 13:5 it tells us, "Examine / Test yourselves to discover whether you are true believers; put your own selves under examination. Or do you not know that Jesus Christ is within you, unless you are insincere."
My Teacher continues to instruct me - this is the life of a disciple.
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