Why is Doing What is Right Always Best? (Part 2 of
2)
10-09-06
"God likes it when we do what's right because that is
another reason to go to heaven," says Colton, 6.
Good works are never a reason anyone goes to heaven.
Rather, they should be a result of trusting Jesus' work
on the cross to pay for one's way to heaven. When you're
the beneficiary of God's grace, you're positioned to
bless others. Gratitude, not the guilt of trying to earn
salvation, should motivate Christians to do good works.
Jesus offended people when he said, "This is the work
of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent" (John
6:29). We so much want to contribute to our salvation.
It takes humility to admit that our goodness falls far
short of God's righteousness.
Why should Christians do right if they are assured of
heaven by faith alone in Christ alone?
"God rejoices when we do right," says Jennifer, 11.
"He blesses us, praises us, rewards us and cherishes us.
When we do right, we show that we appreciate him and
love him with all our heart, soul, mind, spirit and
body. God loves us, and he knows we understand that when
we do what is right."
Thank you, Jennifer, for expressing the joy of
fellowship in a love relationship. Is it really a burden
to do things for someone we love?
Immediately after the Apostle Paul wrote that going
to heaven is "not of works, least anyone should boast,"
he wrote that Christians are "created in Christ Jesus
for good works" (Ephesians 2:8-10).
Although doing right won't get us into heaven, God
will bless our socks off for doing it.
"If you choose to do wrong, it is not pleasing to
God. He will not be happy, and you will feel bad
inside," says Abby, 10.
Have you ever hurt someone you loved? The pain of
hurting a loved one is excruciating. Bible scholar Zane
Hodges once said, "The greatest motivation for holy
living is unconditional love."
The unconditional love of being a child of God is
both constraining and liberating. It's constraining
because we know our actions can cause great grief to
God. "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God," the Apostle
Paul wrote (Ephesians 4:30).
Being God's child is liberating because our security
as Christians is in whom God made us, not in what we do.
If we forget who we are, God has a way of getting our
attention. He promises discipline for all his children.
It's the discipline of a loving father who wants the
best for his children (Hebrews 12:6).
Not only is God grieved when his children sin, but
often others are hurt, says Rebecca, 7: "We should
always say 'sorry' if we hurt someone's feelings or
heart. We not only hurt that person's heart, we're
hurting God's heart."
When Christians sin, it's a family matter. Salvation
from sin's penalty occurs when anyone believes in Jesus
as his or her savior. Salvation from sin's power occurs
when Christians confess their sins to God and experience
restored fellowship. Acknowledging our wrongs to people
hurt by our sins can restore a relationship.
Think about this: Do right for the right reasons.
Enjoy God and look for ways to express your love for
him.
Memorize this truth: "For we are His workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God
prepared beforehand that we should walk in them"
(Ephesians 2:10).
Ask this question: Do you do right because God has
made you righteous, or are you trying to become
righteous by doing good deeds?
Why is Doing What is Right Always Best?
Part 1
Listen to a talking book, download the "Kids Color Me
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quotations are from the New King James Version. To find
out more about Carey Kinsolving and read features by
other Creators Syndicate writers, visit the Creators
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COPYRIGHT 2010 CAREY KINSOLVING
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