What have you done for God today?

The majority of readers to this column are undoubtedly, those that profess to have placed their faith in Christ. To such readers I have this question to ask. Where is your proof that you indeed are in Christ? What effects has it produced in you? A tree is known by its fruits, a water hole is nothing but a dried up pit unless we see water in it. Likewise is your faith. For your faith can be examined by what comes from you.

While there are times we must examine others, as in the case of church membership, to see if their lives reflect their words, the Bible many more times than this tells us we must carefully examine ourselves. Examination passages should be used on our own actions and not spend so much time looking at others. Please take the time to apply these thoughts today to your life, as I will, as well.

"It is therefore exceedingly absurd for any to pretend that they have a good heart while they live a wicked life, or do not bring forth the fruit of universal holiness in their practice. Men that live in the ways of sin, and yet flatter themselves that they shall go to heaven, expecting to be received hereafter as holy persons, without a holy practice, act as though they expected to make a fool of their Judge. Which is implied in what the apostle says (speaking of men’s doing good works and living a holy life, thereby exhibiting evidence of their title to everlasting life), ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap’ (Gal. 6:7). As much as to say, Do not deceive yourselves with an expectation of reaping life everlasting hereafter, if you do not sow to the Spirit here; it is in vain to think that God will be made a fool of by you" (Johathan Edwards in Religious Affections).

The heart of fallen man is fully depraved, its thoughts and imaginations being only evil continually. It is full of corrupt desires, which put forth and influence man in all he does. The Gospel however, comes into direct opposition with these selfish lusts and corrupt affections, both in the root and in the fruit of them. This is why we read in Gal 5:24 "They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts".

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature."

I want all to note that this seen evidence of your faith, is not something that "ought to" be so, but that we as believers have actually, in some measure or degree, changed our lust for the things of this world, into the desires to serve God. If we see no such measure, the outcome is clear.

It is one thing really to think we believe in something, it is quite another to actually do so. Indecisive as the human heart may be, we find it hard at times to know our own minds. In everyday affairs what a man really believes is best seen by his practice and not his words. I can say I love basketball, but if I can never be found at a game, or can never be heard talking about basketball, nor never find me playing the game, where is the love I say I have for it?

When God imparts saving faith to a soul, radical and real effects will follow. Before salvation we are dead to the things of God and want no part of them. One cannot be raised from the dead without walking in newness of life. One cannot be the subject of the miracle of grace in salvation, without a noticeable change being apparent to all who know him. Where a supernatural root has been implanted, supernatural fruit must come from it. Not that sinless perfection is attained in this life, nor that the evil principle is gone. Yet there should be found a yearning after God and a striving against sin, the very sin God hates.

John F Kennedy said:

“Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.”

We can apply this same idea to our faith. In this careful examination, we must ask. “What am I doing for God?”

Is your faith limited to a visit to church on Sunday? Would your Bible be surprised if you opened it to read it on Monday? Does your work place know you are a believer or are you just one of the guys? If you were placed on trial for your faith as a Bible believer, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Do your actions point to your faith?

I do not want to rant in a legalist form of judgment of others. I, in no way, am the “better works of God” cop, that looks to see what others are not doing and go on to beat them over the head with the Bible. Each of us must take account of your actions when you stand before God, so it is you that must examine yourself and not I.

However, we as fellow believers can challenge each other in our faith, to press to a higher level of understanding and growth. When faith in Christ is rooted in the heart it spreads itself in all the branches of obedience. Therefore, it is fair to ask you as you peer into your own life, do your actions match your claim of faith? Your actions make it evident that your faith is a living thing and not merely a lifeless idea.

Even a newborn baby, before it can walk and talk breathes and cries, as all humans and thereby shows it is has life. So is the one who has been born again. We should be breathing in all we can of God, crying after Him as we long to know Him, moving toward Him as we become more like Christ, clinging to Him in all of our cares.

There is a danger in which we must be aware. There are some people, which place more faith in their actions than in the grace of God. The Pharisee, who works to be seen by others, acts if he/she is now better than others in their walk. This comes from examining others and not examining himself. This attitude elevates the Pharisee to the highest goal and not God. The Pharisee thinks, “If only others could be like me”.

The fact is, we are all sinners and this includes the Pharisee. In this fact we need to move toward God and not ask others to be like us. The things that we do for God are not for us at all, but are for God. Thinking that works will better our salvation is nothing but making Christ’s death not good enough. Yet we all should seek ways to serve our God. Do you love Him? Feed His sheep.

A closing challenge is simple.

1) Read the Bible daily.

This is where you will find the will of God.