Zealous for Good Works

“who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:14, NKJV)

One of the distinguishing characteristics of a child of God is his/her zeal for good works.  Even though we know very well that we are saved by grace through faith and not of ourselves, the aroma of good works coming from a Christian is the fragrance that adorns the Gospel of our Lord.

I remember a sister in the Lord who would not hear the Gospel. But because of the support and help extended to her by the church, her heart softened and became fertile ground for planting the seed of God’s Word. And now “the zeal for the Lord has consumed and is evident through the many help she has extended to others.”

Isn’t it what the Lord is known for in His days when He was here on earth. “… and He went about doing good,” healing the sick, ministering to thousands (sometimes for three days straight while in the wilderness), raising the dead, cleansing the demon-possessed, and finally giving His life as a ransom for all. Hallelujah! Praise be to the author, model, and Lord of good works!

One of the end goals for the perfecting of the saints is that when we have come to a point like what it says in Titus 2:14, being “Zealous for Good Works. However, we need to know what indeed the nature of good works is.  Sad to say that good works in comparison to God’s standards are rare. There are good works good enough in the eyes of man, but what of God?  Is it acceptable to Him? Let us analyze the opinion of God concerning the sacrifice of Cain. We all know that though he labored with his offering of harvest, it was not deemed acceptable. But God was delighted with Abel’s.  The Pharisees fasted twice a week, give a tithe (even with mint, dill, and cumin), make long prayers, and teach in the synagogues. Yet the Lord called them whitewashed tombs.  What about those people in the last day of judgment who preached, cast out devils, and did many good works in His name?  God told them, “Depart from me, for I never knew you!” Ooh, that must hurt on that day.  Not only that, but it is devastating not to be known by the Lord.

Maybe it’s time we ask ourselves. Am I zealous for good works?  Are my good works acceptable?  Will the Lord know me on that day? Let us ask the Lord to teach us how to perform good works, just like when the disciples ask the Lord to teach them to pray. 

Let me give at least two things to tell if ‘good work’ is good indeed. One, no good work is done unless God commanded it (Refer to Matthew 7:21-24; Ephesians 2:10); Two, no good work is done unless it comes from a good motive, and no motive is good unless it is unto the Glory of God! (Read: Colossians 3:17; 1Corinthians 10:31, Romans 12:1-2; Titus 3:8) Can you name some more characteristics?  Feel free to post.  Happy good works, everybody!

– Contributed by Sis. Debbie Cavero