GOOD WORKS – A REFLECTION OF OUR FAITH

Becoming a Christian is something that happens deep within our hearts – a transformation that changes us from within. This unseen transformation manifests itself in our thoughts, words and deeds. In simpler terms, this transformation is visible in our good words, and our good works.

Paul, writing to Titus says this in Titus 2:13b-14 – “…our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” The most significant of all signs of this transformation, is seen in our “zeal for good works.”

Paul, uses the same thought, in Titus 3:8, to emphasise its importance and significance in a Christian’s life – “8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” Here the word “devote” is used…a very strong word.

Going further in the same epistle, Paul repeats the same in Titus 3:14 – “14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.” Here we see, Paul equating good works to devotion, as earlier, and adds the word “not be unfruitful” – meaning, works are the fruit of our devotions to Christ our Redeemer, and we have to zealously pursue good works.

Does our life reflect the LORD whom we profess to believe? May the LORD help us to zealously pursue good works – “16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” “12 having your conduct honourable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
“14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” – Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12; James 2:14-17