Are My Good Works ... Good Enough?

My Utmost For His Highest

 

‘It is easier to serve or work for God without a vision and without a call, because then you are not bothered by what He requires. Common sense, covered with a layer of Christian emotion, becomes your guide. You may be more prosperous and successful from the world’s perspective, and will have more leisure time, if you never acknowledge the call of God. But once you receive a commission from Jesus Christ, the memory of what God asks of you will always be there to prod you on to do His will. You will no longer be able to work for Him on the basis of common sense. What do I count in my life as “dear to myself”? If I have not been seized by Jesus Christ and have not surrendered myself to Him, I will consider the time I decide to give God and my own ideas of service as dear.’ CHAMBERS

 

When the rich young ruler approached Jesus to ask Him about what he had to do to have eternal life (Luke 18:18-23), I think the man was pretty certain that he was already doing it.  It is like the person who asks a question and already knows the answer … the man was impressed with himself and confident that he was good enough to get to heaven.  He was very likely very religious .. probably went to church faithfully … knew the Bible … had all of the right friends .. first name basis with the Rabbi … you know the type …. So surely he would impress everyone when Jesus would say .. “young man … you are certainly going to heaven because you are a good person”  But what happened … the man called Jesus “good” and Jesus rebuked him .. saying only the Father is “good”  and then Jesus said … “sell everything you have and follow Me.” You see, the problem was the man did good things but did not love God … his good works were not a result of his love for God, but he was trying to be good and do good as a substitute for devotion to the Father.

 

And so it is with us, often times.  We take on a form of godliness through our good works, but deny the power of God because we love ourselves more.  The good we do should always point others to Jesus … to Jehovah Jireh .. the God who provides … Jehovah Rapha .. the God who heals … El Shaddai .. The Lord Almighty … and should always be motivated by our love for God  and nothing else …

 

What do you think Jesus would say to you?

 

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)