Leaving Works #2
Our thoughts and actions are intrinsically linked, right? As Proverbs 4:23 wisely states, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." This connection between what we believe and our behavior is particularly evident in our relationship with God.
Many Christians, despite understanding the concept of grace, may unknowingly slip into a works-based mindset due to the world's performance-oriented pressure. So, recognizing the symptoms of this mindset might be helpful.
In the end I am going to list 10 symptoms of a works-based theology - there are more. Since we don’t have the time to discuss all 10 symptoms, I’ll just mention three here:
The first symptom I’ll mention is Persistent Feelings of Inadequacy and Guilt. While it's true that we are inherently inadequate and have sinned against God and others, it's essential to understand that God's love for us is not contingent on our performance.
God's love is not based on our talents, discipline, sincerity, intelligence, or lack of sin. Instead, He loves us simply because He is a good Father who loves His children unconditionally. Ephesians 2:4-5 beautifully illustrates this: "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."
If you find yourself constantly striving to become "adequate" in God's eyes, remember that Jesus is adequate for us. Our adequacy comes from Him, not from our own efforts or achievements.
Another sign of a works-based relationship with God is a lack of assurance of one's salvation. It will certainly follow that if our performance is what secures our salvation, we will most likely be insecure. Doubting your salvation because of personal failures or perceived lack of spiritual progress indicates a misunderstanding of the nature of salvation.
While it's natural to desire spiritual growth and to strive against sin, looking to our own works for assurance rather than to Christ's finished work on the cross for us is a form of works-based thinking.
Our salvation is secure not because of what we do, but because of what Jesus has done for us. Romans 3:24 tells us that we are justified freely through the redemption that came through Jesus.
The last symptom I’ll mention is judgmentalism. A works-based view of faith naturally breeds judgmentalism by transforming spiritual life into a performance-driven scorecard.
When believers perceive their relationship with God is dependent on their actions, they inevitably begin comparing themselves to others, creating a toxic spiritual environment.
The fundamental problem is that a works-based theology shifts the focus from God's unconditional love to human achievement. Instead of celebrating God's grace, individuals become spiritual accountants, tracking their and others' spiritual "credits and debits."
A grace-centered perspective recognizes that all believers are equally dependent on God's mercy. This understanding naturally produces humility, replacing judgmentalism with compassion, and transforming how we view ourselves and others in light of God's transformative love.
I realize that it’s difficult to simply trust the love of Jesus because a “works” orientation is what we know from this life. But we are minimizing our sin if we think our works can manipulate God – and we’re discounting the magnitude of Jesus’ death for us.
Gracious Father, you save your children while we are sinners. And you love us even though we fail. I’m sorry for thinking that I can impress you or gain favor with you through my performance. Thank you for loving me even though I struggle. Please cause me to know that I can’t be good enough but Jesus is good enough – and he came for me.
As we finish this, let’s look at Psalm 86:5:
“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”
Song: What a Beautiful Name
Here are 10 symptoms of a works-based theology:
1 - Persistent feelings of inadequacy and guilt:
Individuals may feel that they fall short of God's standards, carrying a heavy burden of moral debt and experiencing intense negative emotions when failing to meet perceived spiritual standards.
2 - Emotional and spiritual exhaustion:
The continuous striving to earn salvation through works leads to burnout, depression, and a joyless spiritual life.
3 - Lack of assurance in salvation:
There's constant questioning of one's standing with God, uncertainty if enough has been done to secure salvation, and difficulty accepting God's unconditional love and grace.
4 - Legalism and judgmentalism:
An excessive focus on rules and regulations, often extending beyond biblical teachings, coupled with a critical attitude towards others perceived as less righteous.
5 - Misunderstanding of grace and the gospel:
Grace is viewed as something to be earned rather than a free gift, distorting the true nature of God's love and forgiveness and neglecting the role of the Holy Spirit in transformation.
6 - There is a focus on external behavior over inward transformation:
Emphasis on outward actions, rituals, and spiritual disciplines rather than genuine heart change and spiritual growth.
7 - Fear and anxiety in relationship with God:
Instead of approaching God with love and trust, individuals live in constant fear of His judgment and punishment, viewing His love as conditional based on their actions.
8 - Pride and self-righteousness:
A subtle form of pride develops from the belief that one's efforts contribute to salvation, leading to favorable self-comparison with others and boasting about spiritual practices.
9 - Distorted view of Christian life and human flourishing:
The Christian journey becomes a self-improvement project rather than a relationship with God, seeking fulfillment in accomplishments rather than in God Himself.
10 - Misunderstanding of the law's purpose:
The law is seen as a means to earn God's favor rather than a guide to reveal the need for a Savior, leading to a focus on outward obedience without addressing underlying heart issues.