04/26/2020
Faith, it is not visible except in the works that are created by it. Is it possible to love without expressing that love in some tangible manner; a hug, a kiss, a marriage? No, love drives us to show it to one another, and faith is the same. When we have faith in Jesus, and God, we have no option but to show it to them in some manner. What is very interesting is that doing works of faith usually involves loving or doing something good, or merciful, for another person. We express our love for God by allowing Him to see our hearts, but we show our faith in Him by our obedience to his will... by our works.
“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”
Hebrews 11:3 ESV
In revealing our faith through works we are creating something visible from the invisible. In this way our spirituality has become an image of God’s Word as it creates a physical good from the unseen vapor of our spirit. In this way, and for this reason, we have been created to glorify God through our faith through the revelation of our 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 ESV
So many believers claim to love, and have faith In God, but when their works surface, it becomes evident that they are meant to be for their own edification. We are created to glorify God through our good works, and scripture is adamant that anything we do for our own glory, or for any other reason, is worldly, and will not be rewarded in heaven...
““Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:1 ESV
When I was in high school, I dated a girl who was a real beauty; we didn’t have much in common, we weren’t equally yoked, and I really didn’t love her, but when I was with her I was the envy of all the other guys. My reward in that relationship wasn’t in loving her, but came from the attention of the other guys. Our works are like that... we can do them because of our love for God, or we can do them because they make us look good to those around us. What motivates our good deeds today?
“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Matthew 6:6 ESV
So there are two very important aspects of works. The first is our motivation... do we do them selflessly, and maybe even spontaneously, because we love the Lord? If not then our works are not based on faith. The second aspect is our desire... are we performing works to obey, and conform to God’s will so that we will ultimately bring Him glory? If not then our works are not righteous, nor are they of faith either. As for faith without works... it is likewise dead...
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
James 2:14-17 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the ability to love you, and the faith you have instilled in me. Thank you for my desire to do good works in your name so that you will be glorified by them. I love you Father so I seek to serve you with all my heart, and I have faith in you and your Son Jesus, and in this way seek to obey your will by living, and working, within it. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who I love with all my heart, soul, mind, and the very strength with which I serve you in every good work. Praised be your name always, and perfect are the works you do for me. Hear my prayers Father, and know my heart, that you can receive my works as they are offered... to your glory. I lift you up, even as I feed and clothe those around m; they are the least of your children, but the focus of our love, and the recipients of our faithful works. Help those of us who are more fortunate to provide for them... even as you provide for us. Increase my reward in heaven Father through my works, the mercy I show, and by your grace which flows through Christ now, and forevermore.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.”
Colossians 3:23-25 ESV
Rich Forbes