Those who follow Christ, in a real way not just outward appearance, are apt to good works. True good works.
“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” – Titus 2:14
That word ‘peculiar’ may be a stumbling block for some. A person may think, ‘I don’t want to be peculiar!’ The word can be thought of as special, called, or chosen. But peculiar is a good word. It’s about those who are willing to be difference, to not conform, and who are interested in following Christ’s way, even if they often fail. That’s indeed peculiar!
True good works then differ from illusory good works. Illusory good works would be when we do something good so that we can show others how good we are. We fool ourselves and we fool others. It often can be seen with moral outrage at others. It’s kind of like, ‘see how outraged I am? That shows how morally superior I am’. It’s often done in political circles, and to gain the acceptance of our ‘tribe’. Sometimes that kind of outrage feeds outrage and becomes dangerous.
We’ll have more about good works in the near future. For now let’s think about these verses:
“Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” – John 6:28 – 29