Last month’s From the Pew article talked about God’s reconciliation of us. This month, I felt compelled to expand on it and share what the Lord has taught about how God’s reconciliation ought to impact our lives. It is only because of God’s reconciliation that we are entitled to have citizenship in heaven. True Christians understand reconciliation to be a blessing from God. And it is that understanding that empowers them to gleefully forsake the things of this world and whole-heartedly embrace heavenly things. God so graciously and mercifully bestowed upon us the gift of His grace AND the faith to believe in His Son for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). He made us alive in Christ, even though we were once dead in our trespasses (Ephesians 2:1). Therefore, believers ought to set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth (Colossians 3:2).
Sometimes we erroneously assume that certain unbiblical activities are acceptable in the eyes of God. Or, we tend to think doing so-called “good works” will somehow offset or negate our sin. We might even rationalize this trade-off as fair and justifiable to God—to think this way is folly! God does not operate this way nor does He barter! To Him; all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment (Isaiah 64:6). James 2:10 tells us that if we fail in one little part of God’s law, we fail in all of it. Total obedience to God’s righteous standards is impossible for any human being to accomplish (Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:10; 19-23). It is a supernatural transformation that only God can perform! Believing in “works righteousness” is where ALL religions (other than true Christianity) are perilously in error and because of this condemning belief, are at enmity with God. Therefore, if you are being taught that favor or salvation from God can be earned by doing good works, you better flee from it fast and far, for it is HERESY and treacherous to a Christian’s walk!
However, doing good works are a result of true saving faith! It is a legitimate evidence that one is indeed a child of God (James 2:16-26). Saving faith will manifest itself in the life of a believer by doing good works, which includes doing good to others, especially, fellow believer’s (Philippians 2:4). Jesus set the quintessential example for serving others when He girded Himself and washed the dirty feet of His disciples (John 13:4-5)! Typically, such a miserable job was reserved for a master’s lowest ranking slaves. Nevertheless, Jesus demonstrated servanthood in order to teach His disciples that serving others was at the forefront of His ministry (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45). Incidentally, Jesus’ example ought to be a paradigm for all believers to emulate!
So, in what capacity can we serve the church?
- We can visit the “shut-ins”. Those who cannot attend church due to infirmities, driving impairment, financial woes, age, etc. We can serve them by visiting, bringing a hot meal, sharing a copy of Sunday’s sermon, reading Scripture with them, or by praying with them.
- We can share our spiritual gifts with the rest of the body for its edification (1 Corinthians 14:12). Utilizing our spiritual gifts for the sake of building up the church is commanded in Scripture (1 Corinthians 12:7, 14:12, Ephesians 4:11-12, 4:16, 1 Peter 4:10). Even if someone feels their gift is insignificant, they must always keep in mind that what seems insignificant to them is of great importance to God and also given by Him! So in essence, do not neglect to share your gift with others, whatever that gift may be. Furthermore, we are called to function cohesively with other church members, acting as one complete, full functioning body (1 Corinthians 12). God uses each one’s gifts to compliment the other.
Jesus told a parable that delineates just how paramount serving others is in the life of a Christian; He said: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me”’ (Matthew 25:34-36). “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). In essence, serving one another from the heart in any capacity glorifies, honors and pleases God! Amen!
Posted on March 1st, 2010 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew