We are called to be fruitful. Observation and inspection of fruit is a responsibility given to each of us to assess our progress toward the fullness of maturity in our walk. In the epistle of Titus, Paul provides specific direction about our walk:
3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,
2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
In the above passage, Paul mentions our regeneration, or rebirth by the Holy Spirit. We have within us HIS Life and Love. We now contain HIS Character of Love, waiting to be expressed in our lives. We are now ready for every good work. As we discussed in our online Bible study, the acorn does not have to commit to be an oak tree, it is simply an oak tree waiting to be expressed as one as it proceeds to full maturity. Once we have been regenerated, we are then ready to die to the old man thus allowing the new man to be expressed from within. We now have the “genetics” to fulfill our calling. No longer should we walk in the foolishness, disobedience, and deception of the old man. We are now to proceed to full maturity. We do not have to work and commit to take on something that is now resident inside of us. Simply plant, feed, and water an acorn and it will grow into a mighty oak tree.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
Good works are an outworking of the Love of FATHER within you. They are an outward expression of your progress and maturity. If you do nothing, there is nothing to inspect. If Love isn’t expressed, the following will be observed:
9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.
We are to avoid disputes with divisive men. Divisions can occur in the most subtle manner. Words and actions either serve mankind or serve “self”. Those who exalt “self” will move the focus away from the Love of FATHER and the Way of Jesus Christ. The focus will move toward lack of something: revelation, knowledge, resources, understanding, skill… in an attempt to focus on their ability to provide something you lack. This in itself is a counterfeit to Our Heavenly Father being the source of everything we need to mature and flourish. In 17th chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus made it quite clear that Our Heavenly Father is the source of all. Jesus expressed HIS Image.
As we tap into the SOURCE of all, we will maintain and promote good works among the brethren. Unity can only be attained by Love, the bond of perfection. Our good works are an outworking of the Love that is flowing within us.