Now, despite the false teachings so tempting to follow, our works do not merit reward. That truth has caused, and is presently causing, personal anguish from those who prefer the lie.

FalseDoctrineProcess theology and prosperity gospel and other similar frauds want to seduce the feeble into thinking that what we do brings glory to God, and God blesses us with answered prayer or guaranteed financial results.

Two things surely argue conclusively against such teaching.

First, “We’ve all become unclean, and all our righteous acts are like permanently stained rags. All of us shrivel like leaves, and our sins carry us away like the wind” (Isaiah 64:6 God’s Word©). Our best work is trash!

Second, “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live I live by believing in God’s Son, who loved me and took the punishment for my sins” (Galatians 2:20 God’s Word©). If we no longer live, how can we actually do anything? The life we live is Jesus acting through us, not us acting for Jesus!

“But the spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There are no laws against things like that. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their corrupt nature along with its passions and desires. If we live by our spiritual nature, then our lives need to conform to our spiritual nature. We can’t allow ourselves to act arrogantly and to provoke or envy each other” (Galatians 5:22-26 God’s Word©). The “spiritual nature produces” can also be translated “fruit of the Spirit”. We are merely branches on the Vine (“Live in me, and I will live in you. A branch cannot produce any fruit by itself. It has to stay attached to the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit unless you live in me” (John 15:4 God’s Word©).

standaloneBecause God’s very name is a verb, action proves God is at work in us. Our personal actions only prove we are neither obedient to God nor filled with Paraclete.

So, yes, let God do stuff through you. But don’t claim promises of blessing for what you do, or expect miraculous money to come your way. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 God’s Word©).

When God works, what a glorious thing that is. When people work, abuse of power, conditional love, competitive spirit and an attitude of condemnation follows.

“Do everything to the glory of God!”