A reminder for
today
For God called
you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. (1
Peter 2:21)
It is Tuesday and the week is well on its way. What is doing
good? Peter writes that God called us to do good even it means suffering. To do
good has many ways of looking at it if we would consider the word alone. We love to
say, “You did good” or “That was good work”. It is a way of praise for something
we did right or rather we did well. But what does Peter mean in this context
here? What is the good work that God called us to do?
The Biblical definition of "good works" is not
merely "good deeds". Biblical "good works" encompass every
aspect of our thinking and conduct before God. The Christian's good works are
rooted in Christ, and have cosmic purposes that God ordained before the world
began.
So, good deeds must lead to bearing fruit. In this sense,
what we do must touch the lives of other in way that they will seek more of
what we have. It is in our “good deeds” that we show Jesus that lives in us. Bearing
fruit starts with a better and accurate knowledge of God. And as we have
already seen repeatedly, that knowledge comes by increasing our knowledge of
God, by reading and studying His Word.
Every Christian need to remember a vital fact about good
works: Christ is the root, good works are the fruit. That is the proper order.
Christians aren't Christians because of their good works. Christians are
Christians because they believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christians are able to be fruitful in good works, bringing
forth fruit that is pleasing to God, because of our position in Christ. Good works are believers' love-offerings to
God. Good works are our witness to the unsaved. Good works are how we treat
other and how we love our neighbour’s. Good works are us showing what we
believe.
Here is the example
Jesus gave us: He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate
when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case
in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our
sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what
is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who
wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your
souls.
Lord, guide us today so that our good deeds will carry other
to you. In Jesus name.
Have an awesome day, dear friend of Jesus.
Cheers