A Conspiracy of Good Works
Of all peoples, it should come naturally to the people of the Book. For we are taught that we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
Eugene Peterson says that we are to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.
"We had better be doing" - I like the way he said it. For too long we have taken doing good works as optional.
How many churches around us are involved in good works? Do our churches have any projects or programs that help the poor or needy?
Judging by the level of good works being done by the Church as a whole, it would seem that the only Scripture verse on good works that a Bible believer knows about is that we are not saved by them (Eph. 2:8-9)!
Many Christians appear to adopt an attitude of apathy and prove Pareto's law to be true, that is 80 percent of the work is done by 20 percent of the people.
Georga Barna, in his book "We have seen the future: the demise of Christianity in Los Angeles County," states that in spite of the appearance of large and very visible churches, the local church has gradually ceased to influence the secular community around it.
Paul, in writing to Titus, stressed the dynamic effect of God's saving grace: "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." Titus 2:11-14 (NKJV)
Not only do good, but be zealous... for good works.
Paul further counseled, after having got the assurance of our acceptance in Christ, we are to "be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men." Titus 3:8b (NKJV)
Church, it is time we step up our efforts in doing good works. "Zealous for good works" hardly describes most of us. And we cannot maintain what we have not begun.
As we celebrate 52 years of nationhood, let us ask ourselves, "How are we as believers contributing to making this nation a better country?"
The reality of God's grace to save will be understood by others as they see a people redeemed by Jesus, zealous for good works.
The communities around us must see churches involved in charitable works and community betterment, for charity and social responsibilities are a logical extension of spiritual values.
Simply put, Nation Building is a conspiracy of good works. |
