Doing Good Works

If we don't have to "earn" our salvation, why do our actions matter? Why do good works?
Before salvation, we are foolish, selfish and hateful. But when we are saved, the Holy Spirit begins His work of cleansing us and making us new. As He transforms us, we choose to live what we believe by obeying laws, serving our community, honoring our relationships, respecting the church, and working hard for our employers. Through these actions our lives become a testimony that reveals the nature and character of God to others.

In some instances, words are as effective as deeds in doing good, especially as a means of encouragement and comfort.

Too much of even the best can be a bad thing. All commitments take emotional energy. All obligations take time and effort. We need to know our own limitations when it comes to time, skill and emotional energy. Many spend too many hours at work or in the ministry to the neglect of their families or their own health or well being. Output always needs to be balanced with input.

We must distinguish between doing good works for the honor of the Father and doing good works for our own honor.

Throughout scripture we're taught to do good
1. We are to do good to all people whether they are christians or not. Galations 6:9-10
2. Doing good should be a natural result of our salvation. Ephesians 2:9-10
3. Doing good involves what we say as well as what we do. Ephesians 4:29
4. Employee-employer relationships help give us unique oppurtunities to do good. Ephesians 6:5,7-8
5. Our prayer, like Paul's, should be that we bear fruit in every good work. Colossians 1:10
6. A christian should repay evil with good. 1 Thessalonians 5:15

What good  works are you doing this week?

Michelle Cozins