THE PATHWAY TO GROWTH IN THE LORD

LIVING WORKS, YOUR checklist in the Lord’s pathway to growth

Heb 6:1, Heb 5:12

“Living works” are the actions of a person whose faith is alive and active. Unlike “dead works,” which are performed to earn salvation or favor, living works are a natural and spontaneous expression of a heart transformed by the grace of God. They are a response to what Christ has already done, not a means to get Him to do something for you.

​Here are some examples of living works, categorized by their source and motivation:

​1. Works of Love and Compassion

​These works are motivated by love for God and others, as taught by Jesus in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and the teachings on the final judgment (Matthew 25:31-46).

​Serving the needy without seeking recognition: Giving your time, money, or resources to help the poor, the sick, or the marginalized, with no desire for public praise. This is exemplified by Tabitha in Acts 9:36, who was “always doing good and helping the poor.”

​Forgiving those who have wronged you: Releasing bitterness and extending grace to someone who has hurt you, not because they deserve it, but because you have been forgiven by God.

​Showing hospitality to strangers: Opening your home and your life to others, including those you don’t know, simply out of a spirit of generosity and love.

​2. Works of Obedience and Faithfulness

​These works are the fruit of a life submitted to the will of God, not for personal gain but as a sign of trust and devotion.

​Obeying God’s commands in daily life: Living a life of integrity, honesty, and purity, not out of legalism but as a natural overflow of a heart that loves God’s ways.

​Sharing the Gospel with others: Speaking about your faith in Christ because of the joy you have in Him, and out of a genuine desire for others to know Him. This is not about winning a debate, but about sharing the good news of salvation.

​Using your God-given talents for His glory: Using your gifts and abilities—whether in a job, a hobby, or a ministry—to serve God and others, without a focus on personal fame or financial reward.

​3. Works of Worship and Thanksgiving

​These works are rooted in a grateful heart that recognizes God’s grace.

​Giving financially with a cheerful heart: Tithing and offering to God out of gratitude, knowing that all you have is from Him, not from a sense of obligation or a desire for a return on your investment.

​Worshiping God in spirit and truth: Praising God in both public and private life, not as a performance, but as a sincere expression of love and reverence.

​Praying consistently out of a longing for communion: Talking to God regularly because you desire to be close to Him, not just to present Him with a list of requests.

​In essence, “living works” are the natural outcome of a living, vibrant faith. As James 2:17 says, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” The actions themselves aren’t what save us, but they are the undeniable evidence of a life that has been truly transformed by Jesus Christ.

Cultivating “living works” is a lifelong process of spiritual growth, moving from a performance-based mentality to a grace-fueled heart. It’s not about trying harder to do good things, but about drawing closer to the One who does good works through you.

​Here are some practical ways to cultivate more “living works” in your life:

​1. Root Yourself in the Gospel Daily

​Repent of ‘Dead Works’ Daily: Start each day by consciously surrendering your own efforts to earn God’s favor. Confess any tendency to rely on your performance—whether in church attendance, prayer, or giving—and instead, rest in the finished work of Christ. Remind yourself that you are already fully accepted and loved by God because of Jesus.

Study God’s Word: The Bible is not a rulebook for good behavior; it’s the story of God’s redemptive love. Read it not to check a box, but to know the Author. As you meditate on God’s grace and Christ’s sacrifice, your heart will be transformed, and your actions will naturally become a response of gratitude.

​Pray from a Place of Abundance: Instead of praying to get what you think you need, pray from a place of gratitude for what you already have in Christ. Let your prayers be a conversation with a loving Father, not a negotiation with a distant deity. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and empower you to do what is pleasing to God.

​2. Focus on the Fruit of the Spirit

​Seek Heart Transformation, Not Just Behavior Modification: The Holy Spirit produces “living works” in our lives. As you abide in Christ, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—will begin to grow. These are not things you can manufacture through willpower; they are the result of God’s work in you. Focus on nurturing your relationship with Him, and the fruit will follow.

​Practice Humility: A proud heart is the breeding ground for “dead works.” Living works are born from a humble heart that knows its own weakness and depends completely on God’s strength. When you find yourself getting a sense of pride from your good deeds, immediately confess it to God and thank Him for His grace.

​3. Change Your Perspective on Service

​Serve as an Overflow, not a Chore: View service not as a duty, but as a privilege. Ask God to give you eyes to see the needs of others and a heart to meet them, not to get something in return, but simply to be a conduit of His love.

​Serve without an Audience: Look for opportunities to serve others anonymously or in places where you will not receive recognition. This helps to purify your motives and ensure that your service is for God’s glory alone.

​Be Present and Intentional: “Living works” are often small, unseen acts of kindness in your daily life. It could be listening attentively to a friend, speaking a word of encouragement to a coworker, or helping a neighbor without being asked. These simple acts, when done out of a heart of love, are a powerful testament to a living faith.

​Cultivating a life of living works is about consistently turning away from self-reliance and turning toward Christ-reliance. It’s an ongoing process of repentance and trust, where you constantly give up trying to earn God’s approval and simply live as a child who is already fully loved and accepted.