Cornerstone

Titus 2:6-10 (7) … “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works…”

I was amazed. It was work day … the first work day since I had come to pastor the church. The place was crawling with people carrying ladders, paint brushes, electric drills and hammers. Why wasn’t this “normal” in other places. Why wasn’t this like other places where the pastor and one or two others turn up for work day? Dan.

Again and again I was impressed with the man. He was extremely active in the church. Although he had a family with small children he seemed to be untiring in his service. He worked a long distance from his residence and therefore each day was a long work day. Even at that Dan Merkley was consistent in his attendance to prayer meeting services. Usually he did not have time to go home before he came to church, so his family would meet him at church. He led singing, was active in the special church programs and was diligent to reach others in the community. As the chairman of the church he took his job seriously. He carried a long to do list with him at all times. He was faithful in his service as he thought ahead planning how to help the congregation be a church … a light in the darkness.

If I were to look for a pattern for good works of service for Jesus Christ I would look to Dan.

Dr. Gayle Woods

Romans 13:1-5 (3) … “Do that which is good…”

Maybe you have heard the old expression? “You can drag a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” Yes, and the same holds true for good works. God commands that we do good works but it is only those who love Him who will obey.

The fact hold true, however, we are commanded to do good works. This implies a number of things. God sees a real necessity in doing good works. Good works are for a divine purpose. Whether good works are received or not is not what is of importance… our obedience is what is at stake. We do not have a choice in whether to do good works or not. Finally, there are needy benefactors.

If this is the case then what must we do. First, there should be no need for coercion if you truly love God. Second, there should be no question about your obedience to His command if He is first in your life.

When God commands you to do good works and then you do them under protest or from the wrong motivation then they become as filthy rags in His sight. Works are not what is the focus of importance but love which results in obedience.

Dr. Gayle Woods