Dangerous Neglect — A LifeWords Devotion

There are many descriptions in the Old Testament of God getting angry with his people. In this passage, he is angry at them for neglecting the good works that were supposed to be part of their faith. He is not rebuking them for irregular rituals or faulty doctrine. He is rebuking them because they didn’t put their beliefs into practice.

It is important to realise that we can’t get into God’s good books by trying very hard to be decent people. We need mercy and grace only Jesus can provide. But having received mercy and grace, we are to exhibit these very qualities in our relationships with others.

Good works do matter. Neglecting them is to invite God’s righteous anger and judgement. It is no use to tick all the boxes of orthodox belief if we do not treat others justly and mercifully, if we exploit one another. Right belief is certainly basic, but right behaviour is meant to spring from it and so is also basic.

Our God doesn’t just care about good doctrine, he cares about good works.

Blessings,

David