Doing Things Right

There is a satisfaction in doing a job right. When you have put in all the hard work necessary to produce a product or service that you can be proud, of you have a sense of fulfillment. A craftsman takes pride in his work because it bears his name; a surgeon operates with the utmost skill because she knows that every surgery underscores her reputation. Believers who are committed to Christ take their work very seriously because they know that ultimately their work will be judged by God. For this reason they often go far beyond the common, acceptable standards to present their very best for God.

One of the principles of scripture is that when we do things the right way, it brings God’s blessings. Likewise, when we do things our way and not God’s way, it won’t have his blessing. Christians who love God do things God’s way so they can glorify God.

Jesus is our example of how to live this life. He lived in such a way as to glorify his father. God’s blessing rested on his son. At his baptism, the Father spoke of his approval for his son. However, God gave his ultimate approval of Jesus when he raised him from the dead. Paul penned these words to the Romans: “and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 1:4).

Jesus’ cold body was taken down from the cross by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. It lay in a cold, dark, damp grave for three days, and then God declared, “This is my son.” Jesus’ disciples were in a state of shock, and sadness penetrated every fiber of their beings. However, on that Easter Sunday morning, God made his ultimate declaration. That declaration was one of power because that dead body came to life. Never before had that happened, nor has it happened since. We are, however, promised that we, too, who believe in Jesus, shall be raised to life like Jesus.

When God raised Jesus from the dead, he declared that Jesus had done his work right. Jesus had finished the work he came to do—the work of salvation. Jesus lived in a human body and endured the shame and disgrace of the cross, but without sin.

The scriptures say that someday we will face a final inspection before God. This is not a judgment of salvation but of rewards. Paul said this about it, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad,” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Jesus promised to reward those who faithfully serve him, "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done,” (Revelation 22:12). Let us live in such a way as to do the right thing each day with our lives for his glory and honor.