Have you ever been the recipient of an empty gesture, such as when someone gives you a gift because you gave them one? Or someone just give you flattering words, but you could tell by their tone of voice it was insincere? For those who are trying to earn their way to heaven through their good works, it is an empty gesture toward God. It means nothing, and it will bear nothing good in the end. The apostle Paul says in Galatians 5:6, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.”
Whether we are obeying the Law or not obeying the Law, it doesn’t commend us or condemn us before God. Because we are sinners, we stand condemned by God (Rom. 3:23, 5:12). Our way to be made right with God isn’t found in what we do. Rather it is found in trusting in what Jesus has already done for us. Paul is telling the Galatians that it is faith that saves. However, it is a certain type of faith which saves. It is not simply someone who says “I believe” a certain set of beliefs. A saving faith is a faith that not only says “I believe”, but it also demonstrates that faith in how it behaves. A faith that saves has works (see Eph. 2:8-10). Not only does a genuine faith demonstrate itself through works, but it is motivated by love. It is a love that is first centered on Jesus. The greatest command is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Mt. 22:37). As I am loving God rightly, then it will show itself in how I love others. This is why Jesus said the second greatest command is like the first, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt. 22:39). Just as people can tell if you are simply going through the motions with them, God knows our hearts and our motivation. We will not be able to fool God by faking it until we make it. I would even suggest that many people feel unfulfilled in their walk with Christ, not because Christ isn’t enough, but because they are focusing on doing right instead of being right in their heart. Let this be a gut check, or in this case, a heart check for each of us. Why do we do the things we do? Are we walking by faith, doing what God has called us to do because we love God and others, and we desire to see Him glorified, or is there some other motivation? Spend time in reflection and prayer today, asking God to reveal your heart to you. Then respond accordingly to what He reveals.
By His grace and for His glory,
Pastor Justin