Okay, so you’re saved. Now what? Most of you know I believe faith is a verb. I sincerely think it requires that “do something” thing. This doing thing can be confusing, especially for a new Christian, one who is struggling to understand where he or she fits in God’s kingdom. One of my more knowledgeable friends always lets me know that God’s plan for us is never complicated. We bring complexity to it and the devil revels in our self imposed mental frustration. How often do we question our role, our mission, our duty to the Lord? For me, I sometimes wind up doing nothing in the name of the Lord because I have confused myself by merely questioning what I should be doing. Now y’all know the devil loves this stuff. This perpetual questioning keeps me from doing anything and I’m the one asking me the questions. The answer to this self imposed inertia is clearly stated in Ephesians 2:10. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” So the answer to your confusion is simple. Do good works. This is the playbook for every Christian. Ready set…Do good works. Be what God made you to be.
I think we can all distinguish between good and bad works or, no works at all. To top that, this scripture also reminds us that this work is indeed prepared in advance for us. It is our spiritual destiny if we accept the Word of God as the will of God. And the Word of God demands that we do good works particularly for each other. It’s that whole “love your neighbor as yourself” thing. “Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17. So my job on a daily basis is to do good works. My mission as a Christian is to do good works. My destiny as a man of God is to do good works. Boy, this is becoming easier and easier. God is truly not a God of confusion. Now if I just stay out of my own way, I’ll be just fine. The beauty of this is, God is not a punisher. He is a provider.
As complicated as I’ve made it seem, my Christian game plan starts to take shape when I get up in the morning and think to do something good for somebody. That singular thought should produce a singular mindset to take advantage of the opportunities life presents. Hopefully, I am now programmed to do rather than to not do. My steps are divinely ordered and even though I may fall short at times, I will not fall off. My realization that God made me for this reason, is a relief. God is not sitting in judgment. He is yelling encouragement from the stands.
I can honestly say, being recognized for what you do rather than what you say is seen on a spiritual level that suggests you never need a pat on the back from this world. Now if you’ve ever been confused about this like I was, take the will of God and march into the world armed with the Word of God and maybe all of your questions will be answered too. I know mine have been.
May God bless and keep you always.
James, jaws@dallasweekly.com