Deeds Are Trumps

(Proverbs 20:11 KJV)  Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

What kind of a reputation do you want?  What kind of images come to your mind at the mention of Lady Gaga as opposed to Mother Theresa?  You don’t know their hearts.  You don’t know their motives.  You have a good idea of their “deeds” (4611).  You don’t let the fact that you don’t know their mind keep you from giving a quick, and accurate, evaluation of the kind of persons they are. 

If you could split yourself and follow yourself around for a day, what kind of actions would you observe?  How would you stand out in your own mind?  Here I am talking about the things you are aware of and not all the unconscious foibles that you demonstrate.  In your own evaluation, what kind of person are you demonstrating?  What do your deeds show?  Do you glorify God or simply embarrass Him?

So?  Don’t fall into the trap of making grace an excuse for sin.  When you look at the process of sanctification on a daily basis it means we improve.  The Holy Spirit will bring things to mind.  It is up to us to apply that knowledge with the power to change that comes with it.