8/1/25

I drive along the highway and I see the sun rise, and I realize there is so much beauty that rests along the horizon of evil. I try not to allow this realization to intensify my question- but I cry out and ask “Will I ever be able to be a good person while I reside earth side?”

I ruminate and think back on all my actions I have done in the past month:

1. Whenever I’m walking back to my car after getting groceries and I see a mother debate if she could risk the 10 seconds to return the cart and leave her child in the car- I offer to return it for her.
2. I see a man on the street in pain and I give my last bit of cash to him- because I feel more at peace that he may use my money to purchase drugs rather than exploiting his body or utilizing other means to alleviate his illness/addiction.
3. I share my testimony and the good news of Christ to my nurse I am following for the day who just confided to me that their nephew has been recently diagnosed with cancer- because now they know someone with first hand experience.
4. I tithe to my church regularly- because even if it my last bit I have left from the week, I have put my faith in the services of my church and that they will be obedient in the Lord with my tithe.
5. I continue to keep someone on my nightly prayer list- because while I wish to never speak to them again, I still want nothing but the best for them.

That’s when it hit me, these works of mine don’t justify my own goodness, but it reflects my faith in the Lord who is ultimately good.

James 2:22- You see that faith was active along with his works, and Scripture was fulfilled.

• When I allow the Lord to use me, all my works reflect Him. My faith in a good God allows good works to come through me.

But when I forget to keep the Lord at the center, my actions no longer reflect Him. I prioritize my own time rather than lending a hand to a mother. I scoff at the man at the corner instead of praying over him and offering my last couple of dollars. I become too embarrassed of my past and choose to hide the sad, but important aspect of my identity to someone who is in need of my story. I grip onto my finances because of my fear that the Lord will not provide. I allow my own hurt to prevent me from forgiving those who have hurt me.

Thank you Lord, for your unmerited grace and favor when I stray from You.

James 2:26- For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

• When we lose sight of our faith, our works, whether with the intention of being good or not, hold no value because they do not honor Him.

I am never going to be a good person earth side by my own works because I live in the horizon of evil. However, God’s unmerited forgiveness redeems me and by His grace through my faith- my works are good because He is eternally good.

Ephesians 2:8- It is by grace you have been saved through faith, and it is not of yourselves, but God.