Maintenance Plan

“[This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” (Tit 3:8 AV)

Salvation is not the beginning and the end of being a Christian.  Being a Christian is not only about heaven.  Yet, this is how it is often treated.  There is an expectation of good works.  There is an expectation of a life that glorifies the LORD in all that we do.  I wish that my discipleship stressed this!  I wish that the discipleship I went through had a secondary follow-up regarding separation and holiness.  Classes that included purity, financial integrity, and outward separation.  Not just what the Bible says about these things, but practical hands on exercises that re-enforces Bible truths.  This is sadly lacking in our churches today and is the reason most people have issues with sin.

I know I have used this example more than once, but it works.  Growing up a Gerwitz meant something.  In our small town, specially among the Catholic community, it meant something.  There was an expectation of a certain type of child that would come from this home.  A child who was obedient and respectful, an A student, and one that served his community.  These are the values which my father instilled in us and came to be the values which the community expected.  If we ever failed, it was a big deal.

This is exactly what is expected of the believer.  Too much is made of the grace of God to the point it is miss or over applied.  God has grace.  Absolutely.  This grace is indeed amazing.  However, grace does not relax expectation!  Grace forgives when these expectations are not met.  But it does not change the expectations.  Today, grace is presumptuous.  As though God will put up with our failures and not expect too much which results in the freedom to fail.  Not so!  We are to continue in good works!  That is our responsibility!