“This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”
– Titus 3:8
Some
people have accused Christians that we are so heavenly-minded that we have not
done any earthly good. That is a lie. Indeed, Christians are the only people
free from the power of sin to do all good works to the glory of God. Paul
instructed Titus to remind believers that we are to be ready for and be
diligent in every good work. It is not because we will be saved by good works,
rather we are already saved from our evil and sinful deeds by the kindness of
God. We are already made new and therefore our works must be good as evidence
of our conversion.
We are to
constantly remind ourselves that the wrath of God is upon the evil workers. We
aren't supposed to be doing the things which God has saved us from. There is no
neutral ground: either our work is good and pleasing to God or evil and grieves
the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, good works are profitable for all people, both
believers and unbelievers. Good works serve as a great testimony for
evangelism, because our good works aren't done for our self-accolades, but
because we know it is the will of God. They strike the conscience of people
because unbelievers live for their own pleasures according to their own
standard of righteousness.
On the
negative side, those who aren't cultivating good works are mere professors.
They profess to know God but deny Him in their works. They are to be warned,
and even be rejected in accordance with their works. Faithful Christianity
maintains good works; false Christianity oppresses others for its selfish gain.
Are we growing weary in good works? Remember, we are made for them. Professor,
is there a change of desire, a change of pursuit, a change of fruit, and a
change of hope of eternal life after your profession of faith? Examine yourself
whether you are a true believer or not!