That is why no matter how much good you do, it cannot equal God’s righteousness. We must eat from the other tree that was in the garden and that is the tree of life. A different tree entirely. A tree of righteousness. Shall we all stop doing good? God forbid! However, trusting in the good that we do will lead to erroneous beliefs.
The Apostle Paul wrestled with this as he learnt to understand the grace that overcame our desire to trust in our own goodness. Rom. 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. When we accept Christ as Lord, the good that we do is for Christ Himself because we have His righteousness within us. I am not saved by the good that I do, but rather I am saved to do Him good. Col. 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Eph. 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
There are many books and instructions on how to win souls for Christ, but when I fell in love with my wife I did not need a manual for me to express my heart’s love to her. The expression of love that came out of me was evident to all my friends and family. They knew that there had been a change in me and I had been smitten.
I like to think that sharing Christ will come from a similar heart. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” In another place, he said, “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.”
The Lord will teach us how to win souls within our own personality that He created. We do not have to fear messing up a technique, or a rehearsed spiel that is supposed to compel men to accept Christ. No! He will guide you through His voice from within. John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 16:13a Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.
We are admonished to be wise in Him, and through Christ introduce everyone we meet to the only holy and loving God who truly loves us all. If God’s plan for mankind is to redeem us for Himself, will He not lead us into this endeavor with His direction in order to accomplish His dream? Hush, listen! He is saying this to you. Isa. 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Thank you miss Toni
You're Awesome yourself
I really enjoyed this one Sir Norm. I like the idea of preaching the Gospel how God designed our personalities to share it. I also thought it a great analogy when speaking about falling in love with your wife. Yes, that's how it should be with Jesus, that people notice how smitten and in awe I am of Him!!!
You're Awesome…Bless you.
Toni
Thank you Les Oiseaux
Good point.
God's word is what convicts people to embrace righteousness.
Presenting God in our image never works, neither does dumbing-down the word of God.
Just preach the word and allow God to be Lord of the harvest.