Real Faith

One of my greatest struggles is working with God rather than for God. God cares deeply about our work, our impact in this life, not because he needs us to serve him or work for him, but because he wants to work with Him. He wants to give us a picture of His goodness and love at work in the lives of others, and He wants to deepen our relationship with Him by identifying and empowering us in our unique calling. “Work” typically has a negative connotation in my mind. I associate work with something I have to do, but don’t really want to do. But with God, the word “work” couldn’t be more different. Work is designed to be the expression of our abundant, life-giving relationship with our heavenly Father. God doesn’t call us to work out of obligation or to earn his love, but to live our lives in response to his love. It’s for this reason that Scripture is clear about God’s intention for the marriage between faith and works. 

James 2:26 ESV For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. 

What is our faith if it doesn’t produce action? What is the nature of our relationship with God if it doesn’t cause us to live differently? Often we have a misunderstanding about what it is God would have us do if we were to truly submit our life fully to Him. Often we believe if we were really to hand over our life to God in faith he would call us to do things we don’t want to do. Maybe we believe he’d call us to a foreign mission field, or to live our lives in a manner that is not as comfortable as we hoped it might be. If you are truly walking in faith and fully submitting your life to God then the desires of your heart will change. The things that used to make you comfortable before turning your life over to God, like money and possessions, won't seem nearly as important to you. Remember this, there are many ways God can use you. The are many different “works” that you can do to serve God. Not everyone is called to be a preacher, teacher or missionary in a foreign country. You can serve God by doing something as simple as loving on the people you work with and living a holy life. The life you live may be the only bible some people every read! Maybe God is calling you to something you don’t fully understand yet, but if you say yes to him, the very calling that you possibly feared most may turn into the dream you didn’t know you had. God calls us to a life of works because he loves us and has designed us for such a purpose.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 

The work God is calling you to is perfect for you because He is the one who formed you and knows you. Have faith in perfect will of your heavenly Father. Choose to live a life of good works. And experience the joy of living every minute of your day with intentional and eternal purpose. This advice is meant as much for myself as it is for those who may hear it. I tend to be a bit of a control freak and I like to make a to-do list and plan out my day in a manner that makes me feel good. Plans that make me comfortable. I need to learn to let go and be more willing to follow God's will for my life, no matter where it may lead me!

Titus 3:14 ESV And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. 

We are saved by faith alone but a faith that is real is never really alone. What would your life look like if you chose to do your work filled with purpose of the Holy Spirit? All you have to do is choose to live your life with a different perspective. Enjoy your days working and bearing the frui