Good Works Don’t Impress God

Good Works Don’t Impress God

Reading through the Bible this year, there is one thing that I learned about God that's consistent. He doesn't really think all that much about whether we accomplish a lot in our lives or not. Though it pleases Him that we obey Him, that's the bare minimum of how we should live, and how much we obey will never be grounds for our salvation or worth.

There have been great kings in Israel who have accomplished much in their lives, only to finish sloppily because of their pride. Conversely, there have been wicked kings who fattened themselves for slaughter, and at the last minute, when God is about to strike them with His wrath, humbled themselves before the Lord. And what does God do? His tender heart shows them mercy and grace.

I'm seeing more clearly that good works will never give us our worth. Why? Because good works don't even originate from us! Good works were prepared by God beforehand for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). So it's not surprising nor impressive to Him when we do them, since He was the One who planned it.

What Truly Pleases God

So how then should we live a life pleasing to God? Simply this: walk by faith. God gives victory to Israel in those days, not because they were the strongest army. But He is pleased to give them, and us, victory when we believe that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Do you believe that He can do it? That He will do it?

Humble faith. That's all He wants from us. Nothing extraordinary. Nothing grandiose. Lay those at His feet. Just trust Him, He can do it. He will do it. Pray it all to Him, everyday, all that you need, and then–and then! Wait eagerly for Him to answer. He hears you (Psalm 5:3).

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