God directs us to perform good works. He warned us that we should not fool ourselves, that what we sow so shall we reap. We find these teachings in the Bible and Book of Mormon (Alma 5:41 / Alma 7:24, 27 / Titus 2:7 / Titus 3:8 ). Yet, we see so many Christians preach, complain and debate against this Church that salvation is not by works, but only by faith and this Church in turn shows the same Bible others preach from to show that faith is dead without works and so also, works is dead without faith ( James 2: 17, 20, 26 ), both must coexist for salvation.
We know, at least most of us, that God always promotes good things as this is what draws us closer to him and all good things glorifies him. Of course, all good works cannot manifest unless the person performs them with integrity, honesty, sincerity and humbleness. This says, for example, when a person chooses to give money for a charity only as a tax break, but otherwise does not care for the charity, is not performing good works. There is no sincerity, honesty, integrity or humbleness in his or her act (2 Corinthians 9:7 ).
What God speaks of here in good works is the spirit of it. The sincere and cheerful act of good works promotes a good spirit. Applied generally to all things we do, says that quality work, with honesty, sincerity, diligence, care, produces good results. These good results are usually seen immediately and these good results, that bear the seal of quality good work, which is also the spirit of good work, will continue to reveal itself in value and goodness for sometime after. As a result, many can benefit from this value and goodness long after the work was done. A standard of good works serves all, even to serve as a beacon for those who need guidance and light in their works as well.
Those who act or despise good works are those who cannot work good themselves, instead these people corrupt their work and this will show in the results of their work and will continue to harm all those who accept it and harm those who are forced to abide in it. This is the spirit of bad works. God knows this and it is why he teaches us to endeavour in good works in everything we do, in the Church or in the world. It is a principle and concept I hold dear to my heart.
The concept of good works has been known for a long time. A quality machine serves its value and purpose for sometime after it is made. The value of good works has served mankind for many years as seen in medicine, sciences, and many other areas of society and life. The effect of the spirit of good works continues to benefit many once the work is done. The principle and truth of “good works” is ages old and certainly not unique to the latter-day Saints, but we clearly do preach it and abide in it.
I have exercised this principle at my place of work. The belief that good quality work is always important. To do it and promote it causes an effect that is long lasting. With good works, there is always opposition, those who will shun and complain of good works because they cannot or do not like good work, but no matter, good works prevails beyond the complainers. By all good things, the bad is revealed and good is established.
The spirit of good works is in all things that are truly, good. The act of charity to our fellow human beings, the selfless service for others, the kindness when in need, the valued work in our jobs. All these things and more are not bound by the walls of a Church, these things are expected of all men and women.
When a person lives and acts with sincerity, honesty, integrity, that is good works. When he or she expresses those same principles, by their own free will into all they do, that enables them to be faithful and hence, leads him or her closer to the Kingdom of God, because heavenly Father seeks those who perform good works for his kingdom. This applies to all we do, not just Church work. Remember, good faith must include good works and the principles that binds it.
What say then of the works by Joseph Smith in the making of the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price? Do these books hold good works showing good principles of thought and act? Yea they do and as does the Bible so do these books.
I never shun good work, I give credit to it, praise where it is deserved for I know the value of good works, what spirit it brings to benefit all and in that God is pleased.
Amen.
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