Q: Why Should we do Good Works?

A:  As Christians, we are no longer bound by the law, but we have been made new by grace.  Since this is true, since we know that our salvation is not dependent upon the works we do, then what is the importance of doing good works?  Why should we try to live according to the Commandments and according to Jesus’ teachings if our sins have been paid for and our salvation is secured?  Well, there are a few reasons that we can find in scripture for following Jesus’ teachings.

1.)  We have been created to do good works, through Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-10)

2.)  Doing good works is pleasing to God (Proverbs 3:1-4) and shows gratitude to God (Colossians 3:1-17, Ephesians 5:15-20).

3.)  Our good works stand as proof of our salvation (John 14:21, 1 John 2:3-6) and help to serve as a witness to non-Christians.

Now, does this mean that we need to focus on doing good works?  Or, does it mean that we have failed as Christians when we stumble and sin?  No!  These good works are not up to us!  We can do no good apart from God.  He works and moves in us to do these good deeds.

All Christians will struggle with sin- no one is perfect.  But, if we are saved, then God will transform our lives in a way that is beyond our control.  Of course we will mess up and not be perfectly obedient, but He will be actively working through us, sustaining us, and preserving us in our faith – which means, God will be moving us to do good works as He transforms our lives.  He will move us to be more loving to our neighbors, to put aside jealousy, hatred, and deceit.  He will sanctify us through the Holy Spirit and we will be transformed to live a life that is honoring to God.

This is why good works are important.  Not so we can earn our salvation, but so we can be proven as fruitful Christians in whom God is working- by the power of Jesus Christ.  We do good works, not to earn God’s favor, but because of God’s work in us.

I encourage you to read through these verses and to study about how to walk in the light as a child of God.

Discussion Questions:

1. In James 1:22-25, what is the story of the man looking in the mirror trying to convey?
2. Also in this passage, how can law give freedom?

James 1:22-25    “²²Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.”

You may post your answers to these questions (or any other related thoughts you have) by leaving a comment.

Q: Should Christians Get Tattoos?

A:  First let me answer this question by saying that Christianity is not intended to just be a set of rules, so my answer to this question should not serve as a rule.  Instead it is my humble opinion after putting a lot of thought into this topic.

Many people answer this question by using verses such as 1 Corinthians 6:19:
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own,” citing that our bodies are not our own and we should not deface God’s creation.  While I see this as a valid point, I have also heard many Christians argue that Christ-centered tattoos bring glory to God and do not defile our bodies.  So, I am going to take a slightly different approach.  In my opinion, it is less about our bodies and more about our hearts.

For years I wanted to get a tattoo.  I wanted a Christian fish tattooed on my foot.  I never ended up getting this tattoo, and here is why.  I realized that generally Christians get tattoos for two reasons: 1) To show that they are cool Christians- not stuffy, boring, or uptight, but Christians who understand the culture and are not afraid of it.  2) To identify themselves as Christian in order to serve as a reminder to themselves and/or to serve as an evangelistic talking point with non-Christians.

This brings up some questions:  do we really need to mark our bodies for these reasons?  Do we need a physical reminder to ourselves that we are Christian?  Do we need a tattoo in order to help us talk about Christ?  My answer to all these questions is:  No.

Now, do I think tattoos are sinful?  No again.  But why would we want to call attention to ourselves in this manner?  The Bible says we will be known as Christians by our love:  John 13:35 – “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  We don’t need a physical marking to show our Christianity.  What defines us as Christians is our love, how we live our lives according to God’s will, and the fruit of the Spirit that is evident in our lives.

Also, I believe that our outer appearance reflects what is going on in our hearts.  When I was in college, I professed to be a Christian, but I was living a life of rebellion- and my outer appearance began showing that.  I began wearing black, dying my hair dark colors, and I even got my eyebrow pierced.  I was trying to be identified with a different type of person.  I was tired of being the “good Christian girl” and I wanted to try out what the world had to offer.  I thought it was relatively harmless to dress in this manner.  But really what was happening was that my appearance was showing the fruit of darkness and rebellion, instead of the fruit of the Spirit.  Like it or not, our outer appearance does say something about ourselves.

I came very close to getting a tattoo.  I wanted to permanently solidify my identity as a “cool Christian.”  I am so thankful now that I didn’t do that – because my heart wasn’t in the right place.  I was not seeking after God’s own heart, rather I was seeking my own gains and recognition.  I believe it is possible for some people to use their tattoos for God’s glory, but tattoos should not be used as a means for entry into a certain crowd, as a way to be noticed, or as an easy way to witness.  (And, unfortunately, it seems that the latter three reasons are too often the case when one truly examines one’s own heart and motivation.)  Ultimately, we have to remember that our bodies are not our own – they do belong to God and have been created for His purposes.

If you, as a Christian, decide to get a tattoo, then I urge you to examine your heart.  What are your motives?  Is if for selfish gains?  Or, is it to truly glorify God?  This is the real issue.  (And remember, your judgment might be clouded by your desires, so I suggest seeking wise counsel as well- because, after all, this is a very permanent decision!)

As Christians, if we abstain from getting a tattoo, this does not mean that we should judge those Christians who do.  There are plenty of Christians with tattoos (with both Christian and non-Christian subject-matter).  This is, by no means, an issue to break fellowship over.

To sum up my opinion, as a woman of God, I believe it is my calling to reflect Christ in all that I do, say, and think.  I would rather be known by my love than by my tattoo.

I welcome your comments and questions.