Works Are The Result Of Salvation, Not The Cause Of It

                    A Change Will Come When The Door Slams

A evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices. A righteous man knows the rights of the poor, a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.                                                                                 (Proverbs 29:6:-7 ESV) 

            From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him." Your words reveal what's in you; your work predicts what 's ahead of you says Proverbs 12:14. 

            Words: Jesus said, "What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person" (Matthew 15:18-20). Another proverb says, "The eyes are the window to the soul." In other words, however, your mouth is the window to your soul. What comes out of your mouth reveals what's in your heart. 

            Parents are rightly concerned about their kids swearing. Far more damaging, however, are bragging and embellishing. Bragging is when you artificially boost your reputation with words rather than actions. Embellishing is when you add to a story to make yourself look better than you are. Both are attempts to get something for nothing. You cheat your soul of significance when you attempt to gain honor without becoming honorable. This laziness of character will erode your integrity. Proverbs 19 includes nearly identical: "A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will; not escape" (verse 5; also verse 9).

            Works: Physical labor (for those who are able) reveals grit. It is as true spiritually as it is physically. Romans 2:6-8 says, "He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury." That's why God can judge us based on our works. 

            Some will object to judgment based on works, since we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-10). However, every scripture describing judgment says it is based on our works (Matthew 16:27; Romans 2:6; 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 peter 1:17; Revelation 2:23; 20:12). While we don't earn salvation through our works, we do demonstrate our faith through our works. Works are the result of salvation, not the cause of it. How we work and the words we speak set the trajectory of this life and the next. 

            Think about this: We don't always consider the consequences of our work and words. When you come to a fork in the road, here are four questions to ask to help you see further ahead so you can choose the right path. You might first ask, "What would-------- choose?" Fill in the blank with someone you respect or someone you want to become like. Second, "Who wins in this decision--my present self or my future self?" The more you prioritize your future self, the quicker you will become your ideal self. Third, "Who am I trying to impress--a friend, a lover, a parent, church members, or God?" There may be many answers to this question, but the best rule of thumb is to impress those who are most impressive. A foolish friend will be impressed by foolishness. Finally, "Will this decision require payment now or later?" Every payment deferred, whether financial, relational, or physical, will require more than you want to spend and further than you want to go. Every deposit made today acquires interest--and usually more than you can imagine.   

Meditation In Action:1. How can mentors, elders, and other wise counselors help you determine the potential outcomes of your decisions? Think of when someone helped you avoid a bad choice. 2. What are some future consequences you would like to avoid? 3. What are some lessons you have learned the hard way that you would share with a friend or new member? 

Meditate On: Proverbs 14:12-16 

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness 

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