How can we ensure our "deeds are complete" before God in our actions? The Call to Completeness “Wake up and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of My God.” (Revelation 3:2) Jesus’ words to Sardis reach every believer: good intentions or half-finished efforts are not enough. He desires deeds that are mature, wholehearted, and enduring. Why Deeds Can Be Unfinished • Spiritual drowsiness – settling into routine instead of staying alert (1 Thessalonians 5:6). • Neglect of Scripture – drifting from the very tool that equips us (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Self-reliance – beginning in the Spirit but trying to finish in the flesh (Galatians 3:3). • Fear of opposition – shrinking back when obedience proves costly (Hebrews 10:39). Marks of Deeds God Calls “Complete” • Rooted in saving faith (James 2:17). • Motivated by love for Christ, not mere duty (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). • Carried through to the finish, like Paul’s “race” (2 Timothy 4:7). • Done for God’s glory, not personal applause (Colossians 3:17). • Performed in the Spirit’s power, bearing lasting fruit (John 15:5, 16). Practical Steps to Strengthen What Remains 1. Stay spiritually awake • Daily time in the Word renews alertness. • Regular self-examination under Scripture’s light keeps blind spots exposed (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Anchor every action in prayer • Ask the Spirit to reveal unfinished areas. • Seek His strength to persevere when zeal fades (Isaiah 40:29-31). 3. Finish the assignments already given • Honor commitments at home, church, and work (Matthew 5:37). • If repentance or restitution is overdue, act promptly (Matthew 5:23-24). 4. Serve through the gifts God has supplied • “We are His workmanship…prepared beforehand” (Ephesians 2:10). • Use the unique abilities entrusted to you as the “talents” of Matthew 25:14-30. 5. Cultivate accountability • Walk with believers who sharpen you (Proverbs 27:17). • Invite feedback so hidden negligence is exposed. 6. Aim for excellence, not bare minimum • “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart” (Colossians 3:23). • Refuse to leave good works half-built. Promises That Fuel Perseverance • God completes what He begins in us (Philippians 1:6). • Our labor in the Lord is never wasted (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Faithful deeds follow us into eternity (Revelation 14:13). Living It Out Today When waking hours, abilities, and opportunities are offered back to Christ, the ordinary becomes sacred. By staying alert, saturated with Scripture, prayer-dependent, and Spirit-empowered, we can move from unfinished intentions to completed works that please “My God.” |
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