I think it is fairly apparent from my previous two devotions that I am a firm believer in Salvation by faith alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it very clear that our good works have nothing to do with our Salvation. So are good works even important? Oh yes, definitely. I grew up without my dad due to divorce, but I was very fortunate to get to know him in my adult life. He was a good man! I can remember how anxious he was to see me when I would make plans to visit him. He always made me feel welcomed in his home, which also included his wife and my three half-sisters. It brought me great joy to learn that my visits brought him great joy. My daddy was proud of me and the things that I had accomplished. I guess everyone wants their dad to be proud of them, even in their adult life. I loved doing things that made him proud of me even though I knew he would have loved me the same if I didn't do those things. I realized that even more when I became a daddy. I love my daughter Bailey more than anything in this world. There is nothing she could ever do, good or bad, that would make me love her any more or any less.
I think that is the way it is with God and His children. We could never do anything that would diminish the degree of love that He has for each one of us. But just as I tried to please my earthly father, I find myself striving even harder to please my Heavenly Father. I want to do great works that reflect my true dedication and love for Jesus. I'm not really sure if God looks at it in that same way, but I still find myself trying to please Him. There is no doubt that He can be pleased, for He announced at least twice how pleased He was with Jesus. I know I can never even come close to the Goodness of Jesus, but that doesn't make me want to try any less. When Jesus Saved me, He also empowered me with the Holy Spirit. It is this Holy Spirit who motivates me to do good works, and who convicts me when I don't. I don't want to simply be an "arm-chair" Christian. I always want my external evidence to reflect my internal conviction, even when it doesn't really matter.
James 2:14 says, "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith, but does not have works?"
Father, teach me to do the things that please You. I know I can do nothing that is good without Your help. In Jesus name, Amen.
I think that is the way it is with God and His children. We could never do anything that would diminish the degree of love that He has for each one of us. But just as I tried to please my earthly father, I find myself striving even harder to please my Heavenly Father. I want to do great works that reflect my true dedication and love for Jesus. I'm not really sure if God looks at it in that same way, but I still find myself trying to please Him. There is no doubt that He can be pleased, for He announced at least twice how pleased He was with Jesus. I know I can never even come close to the Goodness of Jesus, but that doesn't make me want to try any less. When Jesus Saved me, He also empowered me with the Holy Spirit. It is this Holy Spirit who motivates me to do good works, and who convicts me when I don't. I don't want to simply be an "arm-chair" Christian. I always want my external evidence to reflect my internal conviction, even when it doesn't really matter.
James 2:14 says, "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith, but does not have works?"
Father, teach me to do the things that please You. I know I can do nothing that is good without Your help. In Jesus name, Amen.
Guilt is a result of doing something wrong , knowing it was wrong and the feeling of remorse for it. This is what happens when god is in your heart.Does a serial killer have God in his heart? No... because if he did he would not repeat the same thing over and over with no remorse or guilty concience .Slap your childs hand.. Thats physical punishment. Was your intent to hurt the child physically or to make a point about something the child did so he can learn from it and benefit him later in life.Some things we do in life may seem hard and hurtful but if its for a good cause for the better then its not bad.Some Good works may seem bad but are good for the good of another. Its all about the Intent in this life and God knows our intentions .You are on such a roll Allen.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great devotional! I want to please my Heavenly Father above all else. My kids do what I ask them to do because they love me, I do what Jesus ask's me to do because I love him. Love is charity in action. Jesus tells us many times in the Bible to show action; go, do, seek, love.
ReplyDeleteWe cannot just be benchwarmers. We need to do the things that will not burn up like wood, hay and stubble. Instead, we need to be collecting precious jewels for our Heavenly Father. Win someone to Christ....that is where our treasures in Heaven are, and it pleases our Heavenly Father and makes the angels rejoice. Great movtivation Allen. Keep up the good work! :)
I really enjoyed this post. I too am someone who longs to please God, I love seeing faith in action. But I also struggle with striving and trying to earn Gods love and salvation. It is so much easier to follow a set of rules..of do's and dont's than it is to have real, dymanimic relationship. It is difficult to live out the truth that you are loved and saved purely by grace alone, not by your own merit. We live in a world that judges us according to what we do, how much we earn, how much we have...but of course as you know, Gods Kingdom is upside down..or maybe it's the other way around? =) Anyway...good post.
ReplyDelete