Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 ⁹  “He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he?

 ¹⁰  “So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves;  we have done only that which we ought to have done.'”  Luke 17:7-10. 

Beyond our action needing to be good, our attitude also needs to be good.  The Heidelberg Catechism defines good works.

Question 91.  But what are good works?

Answer.  Only those which proceed from a true faith, are performed according to the law of God, and to his glory;  and not such as are founded on our imaginations, or the institutions of men.

But, as with all the strict requirements of Scripture, there is all the help that we need. 

First, we were created to do these good works.  “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10.  

Second, although we may feel that our work is difficult, we can also state that with God’s help, it is easy.  “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:30 

Even when the Apostle Paul felt weak from the work, he was content, even most glad, because the power of Christ dwelt within him.  “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness ” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake;  for when I am weak, then I am strong.’  2 Corinthians 12:9-10.  

Third, God gives us the will (good attitude) that we need for good works, and God works within us for His good pleasure.  “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13. 

Fourth, God equips us for every good work and works in us that which is pleasing in His sight.  “Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever.  Amen.”  Hebrews 13:20-21. 

Yes, we can patiently complete our work and humbly state that we have done only that which we ought to have done, for our Almighty and Sovereign God is at work within us.