A Life that Warms and Enlightens Others

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

Titus 2:11-14

It is by the grace of God that salvation has been brought to all people. Once we have received Jesus Christ, the gracious gift of God, we experience the joy of a relationship with Him. And though we still live in the world, we are called to live differently. To live a "godly" life -- a life full of God. This is not a burden, as the world would see it. For the Christian, it is a joy to follow the way of Jesus Christ, and every day with Him brings more delight.  "See what Christ died for, see what Christ lives for, see what we are to live for, that we should not only be a people purified, but purified unto Himself. We are not only to have good works, but we are to be zealous of them; we are to burn with zeal for them, for zeal is a kind of fire, it is to burn and blaze in us until we warm and enlighten others also." (Spurgeon) I want to live a life that warms and enlightens others, don't you?

Telltale Faith

"For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." 

James 2:26

The spirit brings life to the body. In the same way, the action we take as Christians brings life to our faith. These actions -- or works -- demonstrate the reality of our faith and come in various forms. God may instruct a believer to do something that is solely between Himself and that person, such as in the case of Abraham offering up Isaac on the altar (James 2:21-23). Or, God may give us an opportunity to protect someone, as Rahab sheltered God’s spies in Jericho (James 2:25). Perhaps the work will involve meeting someone’s physical or financial needs. Whatever it is, we can be sure God will call us to obedience. How we respond will tell much about our faith.

God's Reputation

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." 

Matthew 5:16

Salvation can't be earned through good works; it is a gift from God by grace through faith. After we receive this gift we become the Lord's ambassadors. And from then on everything we do reflects on Him, good and bad. Jesus instructed us to behave in a way that would bring glory to God, showing others the goodness and beauty of our Lord. We have a responsibility to uphold our Father's reputation. How are you doing?

Why Am I Here?

^"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." 

Ephesians 2:10

Salvation is a gift from God. It comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (see Ephesians 2:8-9). You and I aren't saved by good works, but rather saved to do good works. The good work is part of God's plan, and it has been His plan since before we were born. The work I'm called to do will bring glory to God and purpose to my life. The work He has planned for you may be quite different from mine, but if you will pursue it the Lord will be glorified and you will find the purpose for your life, too. This is great news if you're wondering, "why am I here?"