Good Work

Year 6 - Day 225: Today, I am grateful for the good in good works.

The Bible is very clear. Good works can't save our souls. We have to be saved by grace, through a moment of sincere confession and the choice of a life changing relationship. (Romans 10:9) Works just aren't enough. That said, good works are expected and still good. In fact... we were created for good works. 

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. -Ephesians 2:10

The slothful don't eat. The complainers don't have many friends. The selfish are lonely. The generous know joy. Proverbs is full of quotes on the wisdom of doing good, being honest and making God honoring choices.There is always a good work to do. The opportunity is typically only a couple heartbeats away. 

Bob Goff wrote the delightful little book, "Love Does". His second,  "Love Always", is out. He is hilarious at times and lives life big, loud and a bit crazy. I love how he determined Maria, his wife, would be his. He wore her down with his open... at times goofy... expressions of love. I've not read the second book, but I will. I need every reminder that to be love... we must be doing something. Love is an action verb.

We are instructed and called to be the light of the world, love is the fuel that keeps the light burning. "God is love."(1 John 4:8) We have to do the work. We have to tend the lamps. We must keep it lit. Iit. We can choose to look at it as "work" or as an opportunity share the life changing truth of the gospel. 

I was just reminded of the parable of the "The 10 Virgins" found in Matthew 25. Preparedness is a responsibility. We don't know when "the Bridegroom is coming". Is what we are doing at this very moment good, honest and true. 

Good works can't save us... but they are evidence of the life changing power of coming into a personal relationship with the Prince of Peace. Reminding ourselves that we are working for Him is a great way to reframe our attitudes about any task at home, at work or in the community. There is good in good works and jobs well done. It pleases the Father, honors the Son and keeps us in step with the Spirit... the three in one. 

Today, I am grateful for the good in good works.