“This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.” Titus 3:8 NKJV
We all like to be treated with intentionality. For example, on special occasions like birthdays, there is a good chance that you will prefer a present from someone who carefully planned and gifted you something you had always wanted over a present that was picked last minute and without much thought. Thoughtfulness and effort are usually what differentiates one act of kindness from another.
Our anchor text admonishes us to “be careful to maintain good works.” The emphasis on carefulness shows that our good works will not happen by accident. We must be diligent and intentional in revealing Christ through our works. Jesus instructs us in Matthew 5:16 to let our light shine before men through good works, as when men see these works, they will glorify our Father in Heaven. Good works require effort.
Having received the Gospel, we are now created in Christ Jesus to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). Good works are proof of our new born Spirit. This means that there must now be an intentionality that must be evident in your approach to good works. One major proof is your approach to preaching the gospel. If the gospel preached to you was what you received, believed and professed, then you must be intentional about preaching to others as well.
In addition, we must diligently give ourselves to acts of benevolence. There will be genuine reasons not to extend benevolence to others. However, Jesus instructs us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the unclothed, care for the sick and visit prisoners. Jesus admonished that by doing kind deeds to even the least of men, we invariably do it to Him (Matthew 25:31-46). Doing this would require planning and commitment on our part.
We also see the example of Tabitha (Dorcas) in Acts 9:36, who was commended for being “full of good works and acts of charity.” She was popular among the people of Joppa for the clothes which she sewed for widows and the poor among them. Good works can also be displayed in doing things that glorify God (Titus 2:11-12), speaking ill of no one, being peaceable, gentle and showing humility to all men (Titus 3:1-2).
If you will obey Christ and shine your light in this dark world through good works, it will require intentionality. You must make up your mind to please God by your actions and help others through acts of benevolence.
DO THIS: Write out your plans for intentional evangelism and intentional acts of kindness.
Bible Reading Plan:1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4
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