As Christians, we all want to live a life pleasing to God. We go about that in many different ways. We try to follow the golden rule, obey the ten commandments, read the bible more, pray more, attend church more and a various number of other things.
Of course we know that we cannot earn our salvation through works, so we need to think about what our motivation is for the things we do.
Many people emphasize good works and doing things for God because they feel they need to be doing something for God. Some feel we owe God for the gift of salvation, while others are trying to earn their salvation by their works.
There is nothing wrong with good works, as long as we are doing them out of love and by God’s strength and guidance.
Good works will be a natural way of life when we focus on Christ and allow him to do the works through us by his Spirit.
The problem is many people do good works out of a feeling of guilt, or necessity, or trying to pay God back for His gift of salvation. They think their good works will earn them salvation.
First, we need to realize that good works will not earn us more of God’s love, and not doing good works will not take away from God’s love. God loves us no matter what we do. Obviously, we want to do things that please God, but His love for us does not change no matter what. He has given us the gift of salvation because of His love for us.
Next, we cannot do good works in our own strength. It is by His love, strength and guidance that good works happen naturally. When motivated by love for God, and allowing Him to love through us, the good works done will be what is needed at the moment for the person receiving the benefit.
So we see in this that the motivation for good works is important. Are we doing these things because we feel obligated and should be doing something for God? Or are we resting in what He has done and allowing Him to love through us.
Stop trying to be so busy for God; rest in His love; wait for his moving and strength. Then allow Him to touch those you come in contact with throughout the day.
Done with Religion 
So true Dan. Good words. Thanks for your comment.
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Beautiful and such a simple concept, yet the idea was thwarted when Satan tempted Adam and Eve and is still being thwarted today. Humans, especially those in the west, feel this compulsion to “do for ourselves”.
A simple example: If a spouse catches the flu, the other will step in and provide loving care. The sick husband will not fight the loving exertions of his partner but welcome them, be appreciative of them and – most importantly for his healing – he will rest in them.
The human race has been infected and our loving father asks the same of us – to accept his ministrations and to rest in his work.
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