“Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven… Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” Matthew 7:21-23.
“God does not need our good works, but our neighbors do.” A famous quote often recited by Martin Luther reminds us that when we fail as Christians to follow our God-given mandate to love and serve others, we neglect the very purpose for which we were created. While our good works do not earn us salvation—because we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)—they are the evidence of a transformed heart and a life devoted to God. James 2:17 warns, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Our neighbors, families, and communities depend on our obedience to God’s command to do good, serve with love, and be a light in a dark world. When we refuse to act, we contribute to the suffering, injustice, and brokenness around us. Therefore, we must take seriously our calling to be the hands and feet of Christ, fulfilling His will by serving those in need and reflecting His love through our actions
From the beginning, God designed us to walk in good works as a reflection of His love and righteousness. Ephesians 2:10 declares, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” This verse makes it clear that our purpose is not just to exist but to actively live in a way that honors God. Good works are not a means to earn salvation, but rather the evidence of a transformed life. When we embrace this calling, our homes, communities, and nation benefit from the light of Christ shining through us.
However, when individuals neglect their responsibility to do good, disorder and suffering follow. Proverbs 14:34 states, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” When people abandon godly principles, families become fractured, dishonesty spreads, and societies crumble under the weight of corruption and injustice. In our homes, the absence of love, patience, and service leads to broken relationships. In our cities and nations, when leaders and citizens fail to uphold justice and integrity, lawlessness prevails, and communities suffer from oppression, poverty, violence, and division.
Jesus emphasized the importance of good works as a witness to the world. In Matthew 5:16, He says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” When believers commit to serving others, showing kindness, and standing for truth, they bring hope and restoration. God’s blessings follow those who walk in obedience, creating a ripple effect that strengthens families, builds healthy communities, and fosters peace within nations.
Ultimately, ignoring God’s call to good works leads to spiritual decay and divine judgment. James 4:17 warns, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” When we fail to act righteously, we not only harm ourselves but also those around us. The moral decline of a nation begins when its people turn away from God’s principles. However, if we return to the path of righteousness, God promises healing and restoration, as stated in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Now more than ever, we must commit ourselves to living out the good works God has prepared for us, by impacting our world for His glory.