For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Our works do not earn our salvation but they do affirm it. In our merit-driven, individualistic society, it is sometimes difficult to comprehend such a gift as salvation. And that wonderous act of love causes us to love others, resulting in good works.
While I know in my head that I can’t add to my salvation, I may sometimes still try and seek God’s approval or blessings by what I do. How can I tell when I start relying on my own actions to persuade God? I can feel it in my attitude. If I am feeling resentful or withholding in my acts, I need to check my heart. If doing good becomes a chore, a duty, something to check off my list so that God will be pleased, then I am trying to earn something from Him whether I realize it or not.
Works to earn God’s favor is burdened with stress and doubt. Am I doing enough? Works as an outflow, a response, to God’s favor is fueled by joy. It is a gift backto Him out of freely given gratitude. There is no need of a measurement or keeping score. That doesn’t mean it’s all puppies and rainbows. Doing good can be difficult, hard work - usually even sacrificial. But underlying it is a sense of peace and not an unrest of striving for a goal.
I sometimes need reminding that it’s not up to me. God is in control and is the free giver of all good things. And when I think on His goodness, it becomes a joy to serve Him and others. Not out of compulsion, but gladly. Maybe it will even give cause to those around us to ask the cause of our joy and we can point to the free gift available to them as well.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
