It seems like I’ve been in a hurry all my life. I can’t remember the last time I felt truly relaxed.

That explains why in my pre-Christian midyears I often retreated into the misty dream world of alcohol to take the pressure off.

Trouble is, morning would come and the return of that invisible cattle prod of a ticking clock urging me onward to “success” before time ran out.

When I became a Christian, rather than resting in Christ’s gracious arms and following in HIS footsteps, I overlayed my old template of “being successful” onto my Christian life.

The results were predictable: chronic multitasking, hurrying to the next ministry opportunity, trying to make “the numbers,” living for the approval of others, going to bed exhausted, etc.

I took pride in being busy just like before, imagine that!

But the most serious outcome of my imported works mentality was subtle — the sneaky notion that my “works” for God somehow counted toward my approval from Him, that my “do, do, do” lifestyle earned points in Heaven.

It wasn’t until God dramatically intervened providentially that I was released from my self-imposed squirrel cage and began to tune into the unhurried rhythms of the Holy Spirit.

God graciously enrolled me in His school of spiritual discipleship that, for me, turned out to be a long, bumpy road. But in retrospect, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

I had to learn the hard way, that God did not save me so that I could put MY works on display. He wants me to be a vessel for Him to express HIS works through me.

The only condition is that I must first get out of the way, and that takes practice.

So, whose works do count?

There is a critical distinction to be made at this point about this term “works.” We all know the following passage, but do we see the difference between “works” done to secure salvation, and “works” that are done as a result of salvation?

In Ephesians 2:8-10, the Apostle Paul wrote:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

At first, it sounds crazy making: “not a result of works” versus “created … for good works.” But read carefully.

In the first instance the context is salvation and we are told that our human works (right living, religious devotion, living a good life, etc.) count for exactly NOTHING toward our salvific acceptance by God.

On the other hand, once we are saved and filled with His Holy Spirit, our works done for God which are driven by the Holy Spirit DO COUNT in the service of God’s kingdom.

Of course, even after being saved, I can do “works” in the power of my flesh and these do not count for anything.

That is why Christ urged us in John 15:4-5:

“Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, neither can you unless you remain in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

How can we know the difference between the two kinds of works? By seeing if they pass the Holy Spirit’s “fire test.”

From 1 Corinthians 3:11-13: “Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each one’s work.”

All roads lead back to Christ.

My flesh (in my own energy) can put on a pretty good show religiously, but it cannot produce eternal fruit. Only Spirit-energized works will make the grade.

How do you think Christ’s works went down in Heaven as He walked this earth? Surely, they landed directly before the throne of God.

So, if we want our efforts in God’s service to reach Heaven, then they must carry the aroma of Christ, and not be besmirched with the smell of human works done in the flesh.

How About You?

There is a wonderful promise of divine guidance for us all in Isaiah 30:20-22, “Although the Lord has given you bread of deprivation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will see your Teacher. Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right or to the left.”

Next time you step out to “do something for God,” first consult the Master.

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