Outworking

<<demonstrating, bring to completion>>

Christianity is shown to be valid as it is expressed lovingly, by ministering to the needs of people through wholesome interaction and good works (Mt 5:16; Tit 2:15). Living out our Christian faith means putting our beliefs into action and doing so in a way that honours

If your faith is real, it will show

God for "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (Phil 1:27; Jas 1:27, 2:15-17). The two greatest commandments are, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is ‘Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mk 12:30,31). After loving God with our whole being, we are to look out for the best interests of anyone we encounter. This involves being thankful, serving others, and building community as we walk in relationship with Christ through prayer and Bible reading, forgiving others and extending His grace to all (Lk 6:31).

We as Christians have two competing natures: the old capacity to sin and the new power to resist sinning (Rom 7:20-25; 1 Cor 15:57). The Bible states we are no longer slaves to sin but have been set free to become slaves to righteousness (Rom 6:6,18). At conversion, we instantaneously receive a new nature (2 Cor 5:17). However, the continuous lifelong process of sanctification, by which God develops our new nature, enables us to grow into increasing holiness through time. This will involve many victories and defeats as we progress towards eternity. As believers, we are encouraged to put to death the old nature and its evils (Rom 8:13; Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:5-10).

Theory is of little value unless there is a constructive avenue for its application, which can make a beneficial difference. “Do not merely listen to the word…Do what it says” (Jas 1:22).

The Christian life is essentially the outworking of Christ’s life within us, expressing the Spirit of Christ poured into our hearts (Rom 5:5). Jesus said, from the inner source within us (that is continually being replenished and refreshed by receiving from His divine life) we can give out symbolically streams of

Fruit shows if there is life

living water representing the Holy Spirit's influence to enrich and nourish (Jn 7:38). We are but channels through which Jesus wants to lovingly flow to minister and reveal Himself to hurting humanity. Will I make myself available for Him to use?

We can draw from the reservoir within. It is our responsibility and of utmost importance to continually replenish its supply. If the input is not greater than the outflow, we will fail, just like a bank account needs more deposits than withdrawals to stay viable.

Good works are not a means to achieve salvation but are a natural outcome of a transformed life, mirroring Christ's nature (Act 10:38; Eph 2:8,9). Jesus Christ demonstrated His love by sacrificing His life for us. We should do the same for our fellow believers. If we have material possessions and see a believer in need but feel no compassion, how can we claim to have God's life within us? Let's show our love through actions and truth, not just words (1 Jn 3:16-18). Our lifestyle should reflect heaven's values – we are His ambassadors representing Him on earth "to do as He has done" (Mt 28:19,20; Jn 13:15; 2 Cor 5:20; Eph 6:20).

It should be a normal function or outflow of our lives to give out or minister Christ. Peter said to the crippled beggar, "I don't have money, but what I do have I give to you, in the name of Jesus Christ walk... [the man] jumped to his feet and began to walk" (Act 3:6-8). This was a visible demonstration of the power of God, moving in a life. Whatever we receive from God is determined by Him yet depends on us also "for according to your faith be it done unto you" (Mt 9:29).

This outward manifestation should stem from what transpires within for while God is the beginner and perfecter of every good work it does require our co-operation (Phil 1:6). Paul said, "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act according to His good pleasure" (Phil 2:12,13). So, we must be diligent and persevere, continuing to depend on the grace of God as we walk in obedience with Him. Intentionally living your faith is an everyday, outward expression of your love for God and what He is doing within your life.

No other human has as much interest in our salvation or duty to ensure it becomes a reality as we do. Just as we will endeavour to do all we can to survive when in danger of drowning so we should do our utmost to save our soul because of the threat of hell, hence "be all the more eager to make your calling

Actions prove our beliefs

and election sure" (Mt 16:26; 2 Pet 1:10). Our eternal salvation will not take care of itself without honest effort on our part to believe in the Saviour, put our trust in Him and break off from our sins by true repentance and live a life acceptable to Him (Prov 21:3; Rom 12:1,2; Eph 5:10; 1 Tim 2:3). Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commands” (Jn 14:15). Our actions reflect our beliefs. When individuals experience Christ's salvation, it should lead to a transformation in their behaviour, and they are motivated to share their life-changing experiences (Act 4:20). Acting on our beliefs serves and blesses others besides showing there has been a genuine conversion.