Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is sure. I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone. (Titus 3:1-8, NRSV)
We can not make it there ourselves…
The chasm is far too wide for us to even think we could do enough to get there. But does that mean we only look out for ourselves, and live foolish, self centered lives?
We are saved because of His mercy, and because of His love for us. And because of this we are moved to do good things for other, not for our reward, but because He loved us and made us to do good works.
aSacredRebel 