And the motive makes all the difference

The are many ways to live a life of virtue these days. You can support good causes; feed the poor, become involved in social justice issues e.g. the sex trade or standing up for the down trodden. They may help many and achieve great things, however in John Calvin's (1509-1564) eyes  unless these are done to the glory and worship of God.......... they are about ego. The spirit of the age, the all present "I". Yes great things can be done, but if in fact it is all about what "I do" how "I feel" then they are of no eternal value.

For Calvin it is not so much what we do as why we do it. If it brings attention and praise to us as its primary then it is vanity. However if we do those same acts out of obedience and with the instruction of the Lord Jesus Christ it is vastly different. We can do all sorts of things in the name of God but it is what is going on our heart that matters. Are we acting in  harmony with the Spirit of God to see his will fulfilled or to make ourselves feel good, valued, important or virtuous.

The enactment of the will of God becomes the essence of our life in line with scripture.

Romans 12:1-2New International Version (NIV)

A Living Sacrifice

12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Looking at how we do life as an act of worship is both humbling and difficult. It is truly not about us in an eternal paradigm. When you and I can truly grasp that we can at last become effective in the spiritual realm in a way that will truly rattle the gates of hell. 

Until Next time

Paul