What does it profit, my brethren,
if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a
brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 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? Thus also
faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:14-17 NKJV
As
I think back to my early years as a believer, and the first time I thought
seriously about this passage and the subject of works, I recall thinking that
the idea of works was referring to something great and marvelous accomplished
in service to God. The problem with what
I was thinking, however, was that I was thinking in terms of what might be
great in the eyes of the world rather than in the eyes of God. I think it possible that many of us believe
we lack what is necessary to accomplish great things for God when a close look
at this passage reveals that simple acts of kindness are seen as great in God’s
eyes.
But
indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to
him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” Romans 9:20
NKJV
I
confess that I have often looked at others that God has blessed with ministries
which reach thousands and felt that what little I might manage to accomplish in
serving God is somehow inconsequential in the greater scheme of things. Yet if you look closely, there are numerous
examples in the Word of recognition given to people for doing the smallest and
simplest of things in service to God. Paul
is a perfect example of someone we look at as accomplishing great things for
God, who when approaching his death, took the time to specifically thank by
name all of those who had done the little, simple acts of kindness which helped
him in his ministry.
All
believers are expected to produce good works for the glory of our Father in
heaven. We all are also equipped by God
to perform whatever work He has planned for us.
Simple or complex, great or small, every work done for His glory is important
in His eyes and can be used by Him to accomplish great things. Nothing done for the glory of God will ever
be too small or inconsequential in His eyes.
Yet in order to produce the good works that God intends for us, we must
first prepare ourselves in order to be ready for God to use us. Here are just three steps I believe that the
Word tells us are essential for preparing to serve God.
Cleanse
But in
a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood
and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses
himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful
for the Master, prepared for every good work. 2
Timothy 2:20-21 NKJV
Cleanse
implies making the choice to do what is necessary in order to be used by God
for His purposes. We take a shower or
bath because we acknowledge the fact that left to itself, the body will naturally
begin to produce an odor. Our spiritual
body will, if not cleansed of sin, produce an odor as well. We need to understand that in order for God
to use us, we must confess our sin, and allow Him to cleanse us so that He can
use us.
If we confess
our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse
us from all unrighteousness. 1 John
1:9 NKJV
Flee
Flee
also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those
who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV
Flee
means to turn our back on what is wrong, in order to be used by God for what is
right. The Greek word for flee means to
run away from or seek safety by flight. The
idea here is not just to mentally acknowledge something might be wrong, but to
physically turn your back on, and run away from, whatever could turn you away
from serving God. It is a total change
of direction. Say no to wrong first,
then we can say yes to right.
But
those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and
harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of
money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the
faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1
Timothy 6:9-10 NKJV
Pursue
But
you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness,
faith, love, patience, gentleness. 1
Timothy 6:11 NKJV
Pursue, as it is used here,
means to run swiftly after in order to catch.
I think many times we as believers might fall into the trap of thinking
that these attributes are simply gifts given to us and will appear as
needed. Paul makes it clear to Timothy,
and to us, that these are things that we will need to strive to catch in order
to make a part of our lives.
Righteousness
is right behavior. Doing good works starts with simply doing what is right in
God’s eyes. Godliness is reverence and respect for God as the motivation to do
good works. Faith comes by hearing, and
hearing by the Word of God. Spending time in God’s Word shows us what our
faith is in. Love is a choice. Good works should be directed towards all, no
matter who or what they may be. Patience is steadfast endurance, understanding
that no matter how it is received, God is glorified by our efforts. Gentleness
is the spirit we will obtain as a result of all of these.
All
Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that
the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
People
remember the smallest acts of kindness.
May we be remembered as believers who cared enough to do the little
things for those around us, just as Jesus did.
Keep
watching.
