There is an age old debate about "works vs. grace" that I have never understood. It seems like the two camps espouse views that are completely exclusive of the other. On the one hand, there are those who feel that they must perform good works in order to receive redemption, approval and acceptance from God. Then, on the other end of the spectrum are the folks who believe that all they need is grace, atonement, forgiveness of their sins to be held in a place of honor by the Church and their heavenly Father.
I say that it is because of grace, that we do good works. When we have a burning desire to be in His presence and soak up His love, then we are going to long to do good works, to share that wonderful love with others. The more I press into Him and draw closer to Him, the more I want people to experience the God who I know. This makes it natural to do good works.
But I believe this...God does not love me any more or any less, if I do good works, or I if I don't. The Bible says His grace is sufficient and it is. He will still love me and save me, even if I don't do anything for the Kingdom. But, oh, how sad and selfish that would be. How can I spend sweet time with Him, receive His blessings and not share? How can I look around at a hurting world and not offer up the answer. You have heard the saying "Always preach the Gospel...sometimes use words." We can preach the Gospel with our hands and our feet, by acts of service. His love compels us to do so.
It's easy to get hung up running around "doing works" but never actually draw closer to Him. The result is that we get burned out and begin to resent serving others. The greater thing would be to spend time on our knees with Him, which in turn, will make us hungry to do His work. Spending time in prayer, in praise and worship, on His lap, makes us hungry for more of Him. And the more we have of Him, the more we want to share Him. You don't have to exhaust yourself running here and there, trying to meet every need that you see. Spend time with Him. Just ask Him to reveal to you, people around you, who need a touch from Him, and then go serve them! I guarantee, you will begin to see places and people all around you who could use a hand up and God will work through you to bless them!
From His lap,
