Why do we do Good Works?

[Maine Progressive]

Why do we do Good Works. It's often argued that people do Good Works because we mistakenly think that's the way to get to heaven, i.e. to be assured of God's good will towards us. Maybe for some. It's a cute argument. It's a convenient way to slough off everything that is 'not our way'. But I have little interest in attempting to please God. God doesn't need my approbation and I don't depend on God's grace towards me being controlled by my Good Works. Or by my 'Christian' behavior. Or by my sanctity. It seems like a silly concept, to me. I do Good Works because I am convinced that all humanity needs to be engaged vigorously and constantly in doing Good Works if we want the world to survive. It's that simple. Yes, Almighty God could take care of the world. But He hasn't, won't and never will. We pretend God has already done everything that needs to be done through Christ. And He will wrap up loose ends on Judgement Day. So, however true that basic premise is, we lie to ourselves using that as our excuse.
On the other side of that point, there is much pain and stress in the world. I do not fault those who escape the world and take refuge in their faith. For them living in faith is an everyday struggle that just manages to keep their head above water. I offer my prayers and hopes for their continued well-being through God's strength. And I sincerely apologize for times I have thoughtlessly implied they were wrong.
But it's not my path. And if we all choose not to engage in Good Works, then we'll all go down together however much we trust God to take care of it all.
For Christians, Christ is the answer. Communicating that is essential. And life changing. And if we allow God to transform our lives into active Good Works, the world will be changed for the better. But instead of 'OK, I've witnessed for Christ, so I'm done', let's actually roll up our sleeves and get at making the change.
Then, of course, is the argument that we won't be here when it gets really bad. i.e. It's not our problem. That sort of Rapture eschatology has never held up. The Early Christians let go of it long ago. So should we.
Last, what if we all did 'Good Works' and the world falls apart anyway. Yep. Could happen. But I don't choose to be the one on the side-lines saying 'Told you so.'
(I hope I've made it clear. This is not my commitment in order to be saved. I'm already saved. This is my commitment because Good Works are the only thing that will save this world and I choose not to abandon it because "I'm going to a better world so I don't care what happens to this one.")

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Why do we do Good Works. It's often argued that people do Good Works because we mistakenly think that's the way to get to heaven, i.e. to be assured of God's good will towards us. Maybe for some. It's a cute argument. It's a convenient way to slough off everything that is 'not our way'. But I have little interest in attempting to please God. God doesn't need my approbation and I don't depend on God's grace towards me being controlled by my Good Works. Or by my 'Christian' behavior. Or by my sanctity. It seems like a silly concept, to me. I do Good Works because I am convinced that all humanity needs to be engaged vigorously and constantly in doing Good Works if we want the world to survive. It's that simple. Yes, Almighty God could take care of the world. But He hasn't, won't and never will. We pretend God has already done everything that needs to be done through Christ. And He will wrap up loose ends on Judgement Day. So, however true that basic premise is, we lie to ourselves using that as our excuse.
On the other side of that point, there is much pain and stress in the world. I do not fault those who escape the world and take refuge in their faith. For them living in faith is an everyday struggle that just manages to keep their head above water. I offer my prayers and hopes for their continued well-being through God's strength. And I sincerely apologize for times I have thoughtlessly implied they were wrong.
But it's not my path. And if we all choose not to engage in Good Works, then we'll all go down together however much we trust God to take care of it all.
For Christians, Christ is the answer. Communicating that is essential. And life changing. And if we allow God to transform our lives into active Good Works, the world will be changed for the better. So... That's the issue. So... Instead of So... roll up our sleeves and get at it. It's So...let's make this our excuse.
Then, of course, is the argument that we won't be here when it gets really bad. i.e. It's not our problem. That sort of Rapture eschatology has never held up. The Early Christians let go of it long ago. So should we.
Last, what if we all did 'Good Works' and the world falls apart anyway. Yep. Could happen. But I don't choose to be the one on the side-lines saying 'Told you so.'
(I hope I've made it clear. This is not my commitment in order to be saved. I'm already saved. This is my commitment because Good Works are the only thing that will save this world and I choose not to abandon it because "I'm going to a better world so I don't care what happens to this one.")

Good works is the natural outgrowth of being a Christian who walks with Jesus Christ of Nazareth daily through the power of His Holy Spirit .

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV).

Be blessed.

 

[Maine Progressive]

Indeed. Thank you for your work.

 

[fhansen]

Why do we do Good Works. It's often argued that people do Good Works because we mistakenly think that's the way to get to heaven, i.e. to be assured of God's good will towards us. Maybe for some. It's a cute argument. It's a convenient way to slough off everything that is 'not our way'. But I have little interest in attempting to please God. God doesn't need my approbation and I don't depend on God's grace towards me being controlled by my Good Works. Or by my 'Christian' behavior. Or by my sanctity. It seems like a silly concept, to me. I do Good Works because I am convinced that all humanity needs to be engaged vigorously and constantly in doing Good Works if we want the world to survive. It's that simple. Yes, Almighty God could take care of the world. But He hasn't, won't and never will. We pretend God has already done everything that needs to be done through Christ. And He will wrap up loose ends on Judgement Day. So, however true that basic premise is, we lie to ourselves using that as our excuse.
On the other side of that point, there is much pain and stress in the world. I do not fault those who escape the world and take refuge in their faith. For them living in faith is an everyday struggle that just manages to keep their head above water. I offer my prayers and hopes for their continued well-being through God's strength. And I sincerely apologize for times I have thoughtlessly implied they were wrong.
But it's not my path. And if we all choose not to engage in Good Works, then we'll all go down together however much we trust God to take care of it all.
For Christians, Christ is the answer. Communicating that is essential. And life changing. And if we allow God to transform our lives into active Good Works, the world will be changed for the better. So... That's the issue. So... Instead of So... roll up our sleeves and get at it. It's So...let's make this our excuse.
Then, of course, is the argument that we won't be here when it gets really bad. i.e. It's not our problem. That sort of Rapture eschatology has never held up. The Early Christians let go of it long ago. So should we.
Last, what if we all did 'Good Works' and the world falls apart anyway. Yep. Could happen. But I don't choose to be the one on the side-lines saying 'Told you so.'
(I hope I've made it clear. This is not my commitment in order to be saved. I'm already saved. This is my commitment because Good Works are the only thing that will save this world and I choose not to abandon it because "I'm going to a better world so I don't care what happens to this one.")

We do good works because that’s what children of God do, by virtue of being near to Him. We act out of the love He pores into our hearts (Rom 5:5), out of His own life which now indwells us. At the same time this is a choice, because we can fail to pick up our cross daily, allowing the cares and attractions of this world to become bigger than our relationship with Him. So, we have the Spirit-enabled power or ability, the grace, to do it, but will we?:

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Heb 12:14

To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. Rom 2:7

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. Rom 8:12-14

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned." John 15:5-6

 

[Maine Progressive]

I love this! Thanks. Those are the same Scriptural messages that have inspired me through my life as well.

 

[Lukaris]

I believe the simple realization of the golden rule ( Matthew 7:12, per Matthew 7:1-12) guides us in doing works( alms giving & prayer per Matthew 6:1-14 etc.) in conformity to salvation by grace ( Ephesians 2:8-10). Remembering the Lord’s commandments ( Matthew 22:36-40, Matthew 19:16-19 etc.)guides us further along.

I often have problems with being kind etc. ( attitude wise, Matthew 5:21-22 is good to remember)but I also realize the Lord wants that others should be helped. In addition to practical charity, prayer for the evangelical salvation of others ( Matthew 9:36-38) is also important ( these go hand in hand).

 

[Maine Progressive]

I believe the simple realization of the golden rule ( Matthew 7:12, per Matthew 7:1-12) guides us in doing works( alms giving & prayer per Matthew 6:1-14 etc.) in conformity to salvation by grace ( Ephesians 2:8-10). Remembering the Lord’s commandments ( Matthew 22:36-40, Matthew 19:16-19 etc.)guides us further along.

I often have problems with being kind etc. ( attitude wise, Matthew 5:21-22 is good to remember)but I also realize the Lord wants that others should be helped. In addition to practical charity, prayer for the evangelical salvation of others ( Matthew 9:36-38) is also important ( these go hand in hand).

Thanks. I love these 'guides' to bring us 'further along'. Much appreciated.

 

[Junotheservant]

Good question

We either do good or we do evil, whatever you choose to do you will be judge by it. Since your judge by good works then maintaining them is necessary to stay away from the second death.

Revelation 20: 12 - 15
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 22: 11 - 12, 14 - 15
11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Titus 3: 8
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Ecclesiastes 12: 13 - 13
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

This is our whole duty. Keeping the royal law is good works and breaking them is an evil work. Where we end for an eternity depends on your works. Your salvation is in your own hand. Everyone is going to judge there is no escape so we need to be wise concerning our choice.

Last, what if we all did 'Good Works' and the world falls apart anyway. Yep. Could happen. But I don't choose to be the one on the side-lines saying 'Told you so.'

The World as we know it will indeed past away but the Earth will aide for it. That's why it is written the meek shall inherit the Earth. The purpose of you doing good works is so you get a good reward instead of an evil one. You are commissioned to save yourself. Don't worry about the fact that the LORD is about to kill the majority.

Ezekiel 14: 13 - 14
13 Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:

14 Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord God.

 

[Maine Progressive]

Wow. And there's the other side of Christian motivation. Judgement Day. I welcome it when it does lead to Good Works.

 

[com7fy8]

Judgement Day. I welcome it when it does lead to Good Works.

And how about if you would give us a few examples of what you mean by good works? I mean, more specifically, examples of good works which you mean, where you say, in your first post >

all humanity needs to be engaged vigorously and constantly in doing Good Works if we want the world to survive.

Hope to see you.

 

[Maine Progressive]

Thanks for the request. There are thousands of examples. But I really like the examples you gave previously, so let me just share those back to you because I think they are good ones. 1) “by getting attention away from God, this is all it takes to help to make people deeply weak because of not submitting to God in His love with His strength”. Opposing the deliberate distractions that draw us away from the critical harms where our attention should be focused. 2) “if Christians make any change, this can be taken with panic by non-Christian activists and others. And so, yes they might be trying to take down or take "back", every little bit they can, to make way for their way.” Standing firm amid their panic against ‘woke’ Christians and non-Christians whose Good Works, gradually changing culture, reduce the ingrained evils in the old culture which sustained them. 3) “beauty discrimination can help to keep people deeply weak”. Of all the subtle evils present in this world, I cannot agree more that this is one where our Good Works should aggressively be counteracting it. 4)”also its money seeking”. I can hardly think of a truer aphorism than ‘Money is the root of all evil”. In today’s world money has been super-powered into a dominating tool for political control. I admire the Good Works of both Christians and non-Christians to reign in that evil. (I’m limiting my responses to one. More mansplaining feels like discounting your kindness shown by offering a comment.)

 

[Soyeong]

Why do we do Good Works. It's often argued that people do Good Works because we mistakenly think that's the way to get to heaven, i.e. to be assured of God's good will towards us. Maybe for some. It's a cute argument. It's a convenient way to slough off everything that is 'not our way'. But I have little interest in attempting to please God. God doesn't need my approbation and I don't depend on God's grace towards me being controlled by my Good Works. Or by my 'Christian' behavior. Or by my sanctity. It seems like a silly concept, to me. I do Good Works because I am convinced that all humanity needs to be engaged vigorously and constantly in doing Good Works if we want the world to survive. It's that simple. Yes, Almighty God could take care of the world. But He hasn't, won't and never will. We pretend God has already done everything that needs to be done through Christ. And He will wrap up loose ends on Judgement Day. So, however true that basic premise is, we lie to ourselves using that as our excuse.
On the other side of that point, there is much pain and stress in the world. I do not fault those who escape the world and take refuge in their faith. For them living in faith is an everyday struggle that just manages to keep their head above water. I offer my prayers and hopes for their continued well-being through God's strength. And I sincerely apologize for times I have thoughtlessly implied they were wrong.
But it's not my path. And if we all choose not to engage in Good Works, then we'll all go down together however much we trust God to take care of it all.
For Christians, Christ is the answer. Communicating that is essential. And life changing. And if we allow God to transform our lives into active Good Works, the world will be changed for the better. So... That's the issue. So... Instead of So... roll up our sleeves and get at it. It's So...let's make this our excuse.
Then, of course, is the argument that we won't be here when it gets really bad. i.e. It's not our problem. That sort of Rapture eschatology has never held up. The Early Christians let go of it long ago. So should we.
Last, what if we all did 'Good Works' and the world falls apart anyway. Yep. Could happen. But I don't choose to be the one on the side-lines saying 'Told you so.'
(I hope I've made it clear. This is not my commitment in order to be saved. I'm already saved. This is my commitment because Good Works are the only thing that will save this world and I choose not to abandon it because "I'm going to a better world so I don't care what happens to this one.")

"Good" is the ultimate goal at which all things are aimed, so the reason why we should do good works is because that is the goal at which we were created to be aimed. If we did not have a purpose other than in order to continue to survive, then there would be point in creating us in the first place, but rather there must be another purpose that our continued survival is necessary to achieve. To say that God is good is not just to say that He is a doer of good works but that humanity is aimed at knowing Him through embodying His character traits, that all good works testify about His goodness, that our works are good to the extent that they embody His character traits.

The Hebrew word “yada” refers to intimate relationships/knowledge gained by experience, such as with Genesis 4:1 where Adam knew (yada) Eve, she conceived, and gave birth to Cain. God’s way is the way to know (yada) Him and Jesus by having the experience of embodying His character traits, which is the narrow way to eternal life (John 17:3). For example, in Genesis 18:19, God knew (yada) Abraham that he would teach his children and those of His household to walk in His way by being doers of righteousness and justice that the Lord might bring to him all that He has promised. In Exodus 33:13, Moses wanted God to be gracious to him by teaching him to walk in His way that he and Israel might know (yada) Him, and in Matthew 7:23, Jesus said that he would tell those who are workers of lawlessness to depart from him because he never knew them, so the goal of the law is to graciously teach us how to experience an intimate relationship with God and Jesus by walking in His way, which is His gift of eternal life. The Bible begins and ends in the Garden with the Tree of Life and the goal of everything in between is to teach us the way back to the Tree of Life by walking in God's way through doing good works. If God did all of the good works instead of partnering with us by graciously teaching us to experience being a doer of them, then there would be no good works available for us to do and we would quite literally be good for nothing.

 

[Maine Progressive]

Learning "the way back to the Tree of Life by walking in God's way through doing good works." Excellent! Yet another wonderful motivation for doing Good Works. These comments have been so inspirational. It shows we can make a difference would we only set aside all this foolish modern fear and loathing and set out to be God's workers for good. Whatever the differences I am glad and willing to join with Christians and people of faith and people of good-will to work towards good. (I’m limiting my responses to one. More mansplaining feels like discounting your kindness shown by offering a comment.)

 

[d taylor]

-

​

The born again believer should do good works because than is God's plan for all of His born again children. But many fall short of doing good and many more end up not just not doing good works, but end up being a very poor child of God and produce bad works.

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

 

[Maine Progressive]

Thank you for this thoughtful remark. I do agree. I noticed as I read the comments that there are several motivations for doing Good Works. As there are also others outside of Christian circles. It is my hope that as serious concerns for the future of this world become more and more visible that all of these motivations will, together, begin to pull people together to do the 'good' that God expects and the world needs if it hopes to survive. I hope that God will lead individuals to the particular motivation that will appeal to them and call them into doing good. I'm not picky. I admire all that has been shared here. (I’m limiting my responses to one. More mansplaining feels like discounting your kindness shown by offering a comment.)

 

[fhansen]

Learning "the way back to the Tree of Life by walking in God's way through doing good works." Excellent! Yet another wonderful motivation for doing Good Works. These comments have been so inspirational. It shows we can make a difference would we only set aside all this foolish modern fear and loathing and set out to be God's workers for good. Whatever the differences I am glad and willing to join with Christians and people of faith and people of good-will to work towards good. (I’m limiting my responses to one. More mansplaining feels like discounting your kindness shown by offering a comment.)

Yes, salvation needs to be looked at as more than some otherwise worthless sinful wretches making it into heaven, but as fulfilling our very created purpose, our telos-and that is inseparable from our living as a child of God should, to the best of our grace-enabled ability during this lifetime. I've come to appreciate a quote from a 16th century believer, when properly and fully understood:
"At the evening of life we shall be judged on our love."

And St Basil of Caesarea, a 4th century bishop, weighs in on a related matter:
“If we turn away from evil out of fear of punishment, we are in the position of slaves. If we pursue the enticement of wages, . . . we resemble mercenaries. Finally if we obey for the sake of the good itself and out of love for him who commands . . . we are in the position of children.”

Anyway, that love is what it would take to make the world survive. But it's also what will make heaven heavenly, and worth the living in.

 

[JustaPewFiller]

To me it is fairly simple..

From a Christian perspective, it is what we should do for a number of reasons that others have outlined more eloquently than I ever could.

Before I was a Christian, I did good works. I also did bad works. Even in that state I could see that it was better for me and for everyone when we did good works.

 

[stevevw]

I agree with others that when we are saved and born again in the spirit we are a new person. The sinful self has been put to death and a new mind and spirit has been born that is like Christ. Or is inclined towards living like Christ.

Sin can no longer live in the same heart. If this is the case what else is left but to do what is pleasing to God. God mentions being pleased with His Son in that He was obedient and did His Fathers Will. Even when it was hard to do. Even until death. God is pleased when we obey Him.

But I think those who are without God make 'Good Works' more important because its the only measure of goodness. Good works becomes everything and people will show off their good works as a currency for being virtious and gaining reputation. The Pharisees come to mind.

But we also see this in how people virtue signal or how some are valued as worthy for their percieved identity as being good or pure as opposed to other identities that have been labelkled bad or inherently evil.

The problem also is "what good works'. This is very subjective. Some will make certain ideas as being good which are actually in conflict with Gods Law and order and Christ. In fact relying on self created good works or secular ideas of good works to promote oneself as good is actually the sin of pride itself. Relying on ones own ability and ideas to be good without God.

Thats why its more about the disposition and transfromation of the person not for any particular good works. Not for meeting some criteria of what is good works. But by being renewed as a person where their nature is goodness like Christ. This can only happen with Christ. Without Christ no matter how much people are good they will still fall short of Gods glory.

 

[Maine Progressive]

Thanks for the elucidation of where you are coming from. I mean this only as a gentle nudge, just something to think about. If it helps you to continue to do Good Works by focusing on how wrong are the motivations of secularists, then please continue. I'm not picky. It seems to work for you. Keep at it. (I’m limiting my responses to one. More mansplaining feels like discounting your kindness shown by offering a comment.)

 

[Maine Progressive]

To me it is fairly simple..

From a Christian perspective, it is what we should do for a number of reasons that others have outlined more eloquently than I ever could.

Before I was a Christian, I did good works. I also did bad works. Even in that state I could see that it was better for me and for everyone when we did good works.

Thanks for this well considered thought. I agree. While we hope for the salvation of all, we do well to realize that all humans have empathy and that is something to be recognized and encouraged. (I’m limiting my responses to one. More mansplaining feels like discounting your kindness shown by offering a comment.)