A Reflection On Works

When I am tempted to think that my status depends on what I do

God is gracious and He blesses us with innumerable and invaluable blessings. Jesus is clear about that. But He is also clear that we can never come to God with a sense of entitlement to those blessings. We can never say, “God, I’ve behaved well. Why are You treating me this way?” To do so indicates that at some level, we still think our standing with God is dependent on our performance. It isn’t. Our standing with God is dependent on Christ’s performance, and we are forever indebted.

God is intensely interested in our works. Our performance does matter to Him, but only as a response of faith, not as an act of merit. Our attitude of service indicates the degree to which the gospel has penetrated our hearts. And if it has truly penetrated our hearts, it will be humble service indeed.

Does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, “We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.”

Luke 17:9-10