Evidence Of True Righteousness

“He will reward each one according to his works: eternal life to those who by perseverance in good works seek glory and honor and immortality, but wrath and anger to those who live in selfish ambition and do not obey the truth but follow unrighteousness. There will be affliction and distress on everyone who does evil, on the Jew first and also the Greek, but, glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, for the Jew first and also the Greek.” Romans 2:6-10

What truly is our reward? It’s much more than just good intentions or living a moral life; it’s about the incredible transformative work He does within us! Jesus isn’t just our treasure; He is our greatest prize! Christ in us, the hope of glory, inspires profound change and transformation in our lives. God longs to unveil Jesus within us, guiding us on this amazing journey. Remember that “Christian” means “little Christs,” highlighting our beautiful calling reflecting His essence in everything we do. This is why many on this journey are enthusiastic about seeing how God’s rewards flow through their lives!

Often, we see the prize at the end of our journey as our goal, akin to reaching heaven as the end of our ultimate journey. However, this perspective only grazes the surface of a much richer reality. The true prize is the journey of inviting Christ to live and work within us, continually allowing Him to shape and form us into His beautiful image. We were initially created in God’s image, but sin marred and distorted that vision. Fortunately, Jesus stepped in, bearing the weight of our sins, breaking its death grip on us and making it possible for us to experience life and freedom from that sin, and reflect God’s true glory through His presence in our lives. So, let’s remember that our destination isn’t at the end of the road, but rather the incredible transformation of our minds and bodies as we embrace our true identities as cherished sons and daughters of God. Let’s celebrate this journey together!

There are many considerations when it comes to the above passage, one in particular is that there are two ways to view our works. Here are two examples in scripture that we have been given: one is that of David's life, and the other is of Abraham and Moses' lives. Starting with David, he pursued God passionately and wrote many love songs to God, describing that passionate longing for God’s presence, and was known as a man after God’s heart. David was called a servant of God. 

Abraham and Moses, on the other hand, were pursued by God and had profound revelations of God’s character revealed to them. Their relationships with God were defined as being friends of God. These two aspects, one of being a servant and the other of being God's friend, are profoundly different 

When I was young, attending a denominational church, I was always taught that I was a servant of God and that serving others was the only way I could be useful in ministry. No one ever taught me that I could be God’s friend through Jesus; that revelation must have escaped the curriculum of the teachers I was involved with. Jesus set a new precedent regarding the relationship with Him and his Father; we are now friends because of Jesus, who became our example.

These distinct relationships enrich our understanding of how God interacts with us. When Jesus spoke to His disciples, He shared a groundbreaking truth: “I no longer call you servants, but friends.” This declaration wonderfully reshapes the entire narrative of God’s relationship with humanity!

As I journey through life, I have been blessed to experience a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus. I’ve always believed that God seeks a heartfelt friendship with us. However, I initially learned from well-meaning Christians that serving Him was the only path to meaningful ministry.

Today, I’ve realized that through Jesus, we can fully embrace the beautiful gift of friendship with God. This revelation has not only transformed my perspective but has also filled my heart with immense joy and renewed hope for what lies ahead!

I’m reminded of the inspiring story of Mary and Martha. One devoted herself to serving Jesus, while the other chose to sit at His feet, which Jesus described as the better part, relishing His presence and absorbing His words. In nurturing my relationship with Jesus, I’ve discovered an incredible understanding of our connection to the Father: we are wholeheartedly invited into a friendship that uplifts and inspires us by sitting at His feet, not as servants but friends.

Our friendship with Jesus inspires us to embrace His heart for others. As we understand what truly moves Him, we see that nothing grieves Him more than those who feel lost and seek the guidance of a caring shepherd. Jesus, our dear friend, demonstrated incredible love by sacrificing Himself for us, highlighting the amazing way we can connect with God by being His friend, as close as family. This profound truth shows how deeply God desires an intimate relationship with us. 

It’s our privilege to share this incredible friendship with others, lighting the path to the closeness they can experience. Let’s also commit to praying earnestly for those needing a healing touch from their shepherd. These acts of kindness, rooted in genuine compassion, can truly transform the lives of those around us and help them discover the love that awaits them. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in our communities relationally, not just out of service.

Recognizing this profound truth draws us closer to God and empowers us to express our faith to others in richer, more meaningful ways. Let’s celebrate this extraordinary friendship and the endless possibilities it brings to our lives and to others! With each step of this adventure, I am filled with an exhilarating sense of optimism and excitement for the bright future that awaits all of us!

Stephen Barnett