In his sermon today, something the pastor said gave me an idea for an interesting analogy related to benevolent works.
There seems to be a large divide or sometimes imagined divide between churches that profess salvation through works vs. salvation through grace. The thing is, I'm not sure that there really are many churches that profess salvation through works as there used to be. So, setting aside for a moment that your works cannot save you, the question then comes up, what about the good works we are to perform? Where does that come into play? And why are so many people uncomfortable talking about it?
You were one of the few who went to the good front when called. Warfare is not easy and not always pleasant, but it is for a good cause. Your commanding officer pulls you all together and is in tune with your needs, and fulfills them.
He does not push you beyond what you can withstand. He tests you with trials to strengthen you against the enemy. All who are under him do well and serve well, but not all seek special dangerous missions. Most are content to fight only when commanded. Those that choose to take risk and go after those difficult operations win internal battles and honor after the war is over for their actions.
Though times are hard, their commanding officer looks after their needs and rewards those who take courage and look for all those opportunities to serve their good side. The actions of those valiant men benefit not only their fellow officers but the entire battle and war.
The actions of these mighty men did not get them to the battle, but rather, after they got to the front they performed these good works and were given strength and opportunities to do so. They were drafted and went like all the rest, but their actions were benevolent ones and not required.
They were performed because they were so blessed as to be able to fight for the right side.
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