tattooed on the windows, bumpers, or rear panels. In Muslim countries, it may read, "Allahu Akbar"—God is great. In India, there will be a picture of one of their many Hindu gods. Everyone seems to dig Ganesh. He is the elephant god, and his mission is to bless you…with wealth, good fortune, or fertility. You want him dangling from your rearview mirror or tattooed on your back window. In the US, we might have a Honk if you Love Jesus sticker or a God is my Copilot decal.
On the back of this particular bus—at the top-- it clearly read, "BE KNOWN FOR YOUR GOOD WORKS."
Love. It. A LOT.
As a lifelong Jesus lover and Jesus follower, I have been intrigued over the years by the concept of "good works"--and many Jesus followers' unwarranted turmoil over the term/concept. Too bad.
Seems like some of us religious folks sweat a bit when the topic comes up. Causes some angst, tension, and a tad of hyperventilation. Some of us have the need to get all theological. I assume it is because of incomplete teaching—or worse, poor discipleship in general. Not their fault, really. They just quoted what someone in authority told them. No harm, no foul.
But now, we can do better.
Yes, we are not "saved" by works. Check that box. Everyone is on board there. Let's not get fixated on that.
But, after we choose to put our hand in the hand of the Carpenter from Nazareth, Jesus the Christ, works are, actually, a big deal. I am persuaded that works are not emphasized as much as they should be in our American discipleship.
“Be known for your good works.” I fear that we are no longer known for our GOOD works --but what we stand for. For our theology. For our arguments. For our anger.
By all means, we need to stand up for the causes Jesus was passionate about…but that is just the point—do we really, at the depth of our souls, understand what Jesus was passionate about? Contemplative question: Have I become so distracted that I might be, unwittingly, emphasizing the wrong things?
I don't want to debate, but I do want to encourage you with all the love, care, and compassion that I can muster—to re-read the New Testament for yourself—and rediscover what Jesus was passionate about. Do your best to leave your preconceived bias at the door and take a second gander at Jesus' words. You will see that we are to be known for our works (deeds). Let your light shine so that they may see your theological beliefs? Your Church? Nope—your good works…and THEN others will glorify the Father. Matt. 5:16.
I know. This has been a lot for some of us. Hang in there. Please don’t trust me. Examine for yourself all the places the word "works" (or the concept) is referenced in the Bible --and make up your own mind.
Would others look at your life and say that YOU ARE KNOWN FOR YOUR WORKS? More importantly, WOULD JESUS SAY THAT?
For extra credit, check out Matthew 25:31-46. Lots of works getting rewarded here, too…
If you have no idea what is meant by “good works”, check out any of Bob Goff’s books.
