“However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.”
Romans 4:5
Pursuing noble causes—even such as protecting the lives of the unborn or bringing about racial reconciliation in our churches and communities—is good. Some well-meaning church leaders have operated their churches in such a way as if to claim that this is the gospel itself, not the result of a life changed by the gospel. These social causes end up replacing the gospel as the prism through which every decision is made.
William Wilberforce (1759-1833) was the member of Parliament who spent the majority of his adult life opposing and eventually ending the slave trade in the British Empire. He surely could have clung to the success of his cause. But he treasured the truth of the gospel above all else and saw the abolition of slavery as an outworking of its truth.
When we understand the good news of salvation, we want to be people who bring the light of the gospel into every part of our world. Do not confuse the gospel with good causes. While God may lead us to take up His kingdom work here in many forms, it is the gospel that transforms us.
William Wilberforce (1759-1833) was the member of Parliament who spent the majority of his adult life opposing and eventually ending the slave trade in the British Empire. He surely could have clung to the success of his cause. But he treasured the truth of the gospel above all else and saw the abolition of slavery as an outworking of its truth.
When we understand the good news of salvation, we want to be people who bring the light of the gospel into every part of our world. Do not confuse the gospel with good causes. While God may lead us to take up His kingdom work here in many forms, it is the gospel that transforms us.
Scripture Focus
Romans 4:1-12
Insight
Lord, help me to never replace the good news of the gospel with a social cause, no matter how wonderful that social cause might be. Amen
Bible In A Year
- 1 Samuel 20-21
- Psalm 130
- 2 Corinthians 12
