I was pondering the other day what it really means to please God. Most people in the Christian religion today are quite preoccupied with trying to please God. Somehow it seems we have this idea that if we please God enough then He'll bless us. Of course, if asked directly we may say that doing good doesn't get us into heaven because we know it's not all about works (the Bible flat-out says it isn't). Why should it be any different while we live on earth? Why should God reward or punish us based on our works while we live on earth, but when it comes to eternity, now we can rely on Christ's sacrifice?
This is not to say works are unimportant. After all, James says that faith without works is dead. But, even though it isn't directly stated in so many words, the Bible also says that works without faith is dead. Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God. What then? Again, it is the thermometer vs compass aspect. James says "Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Hebrews 11 also says that God rewards those who believe Him. So then, we are awarded for faith and not for works; and our faith produces works as a natural byproduct. HOWEVER, it is important to realize that just as we are not capable of doing good enough works to please God, so we also cannot manufacture faith that pleases God. I have heard people try to "psych" themselves up into faith. They think that if they say they have faith and do crazy things and call it "stepping out on faith" that it will somehow produce faith. But what does the Bible say? "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."
This was a very interesting concept for me when I first began to grasp it. I decided to try it out. I got on Bible Gateway and listened to my daily Bible reading while reading along. The results were stunning! I can't even begin to explain the faith that welled up in me. Just simply by hearing the Bible read aloud rather than silently reading inside my head. Now, that is not to say that if you read your Bible aloud every day that your problems will be over--you will have faith a'plenty and the works to go along with it. No, you still have to exercise and grow your faith and act upon it. But there is just something about hearing the truth aloud that just drowns out all the lies. What does Ephesians say about the shield of faith? "[with it] you will be able to extinguish ALL the fiery darts of the wicked one."
There are many more things to be said about faith, but I don't want to write a novel here and overwhelm my readers. And I feel like with all I've learned I am still only beginning to scratch the surface. Next time I plan to tackle a bit more of the works aspect. Do your works show that you believe in God? Do you try to motivate faith with works or do you simply believe and act accordingly? Think about it.
2 comments:
Good word. Somehow, this idea of "karma" has crept into the Church, as if we are to expect favorable results if we give God what He wants.
This is dangerous for two reasons:
1) We come to believe that we know what we need more than God does, and that our works justify receiving those things.
2) We begin seeing every uncomfortable circumstance as an indication that we have displeased God, since we would be receiving what we think we need if He was in fact pleased.
We should be thankful that God is not a genie, and that He loves us enough not to cater to such a limited view of our needs. What makes Him a good Father is that He finds pleasure in giving us good gifts, and His heart is aroused when we ask in faith.
Imagine a child thinking that he or she could only receive a father's love through deeds. We would evaluate that father and find him cold and distant. But the father who loves his children grants blessings because it brings him joy. And he is warmed when his children ask for what they need, because it demonstrates their trust and intimacy with him.
The entire idea of coming to God "as a child" presupposes that we know Him as one capable of providing for our needs and giving the best gifts. He protects and provides for those that approach Him with that level of certainty and ask.
This is why the "shield of faith" is such a mighty piece of armor. A child does not have to question whether to trust His father or the lies of the enemy. By faith, the child places full trust in his or her ultimate Authority, aware that nothing can stand against Him. When a little boy comes face-to-face with a bully, he doesn't rest in his own strength. He finds refuge in recognizing: "My dad can beat up your dad!"
Amen brother!
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