July 10, proud works versus humble faith. On that day, many will say to me,

Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and cast out demons in your name and do

many mighty works in your name, Matthew 7.22. Consider the difference between a heart of faith

and a heart of works. The heart of works get satisfaction from the ego boost of accomplishing

something in its own power. It will attempt to scale a vertical rock face or take on extra

responsibilities at work or risk life in a combat zone or agonize through a marathon or perform

religious fasting for weeks, all for the satisfaction of conquering a challenge by the force of its

own will and by the stamina of its own body. The heart with a works orientation may also go in

another direction and express its love of independence and self direction and self achievement

by rebelling against courtesy and decency and morality, Galatians 5, 19 to 21.

But it's the same self-determining, self-exalting works orientation, whether it is being

immoral or mounting a crusade against immoral behavior. The common denominator is self-direction,

self-reliance and self-exaltation. In all of this, basic satisfaction of the works orientation

is the saver of being an assertive autonomous and if possible, triumphant self. The heart of faith

is radically different. Its desires are no less strong as it looks to the future, but what it desires

is the fullest satisfaction of experiencing all that God is for us in Jesus.

If works, once the satisfaction of feeling itself overcome an obstacle,

faith savers the satisfaction of feeling God overcome an obstacle. Works longs for the joy of

being glorified as capable, strong and smart. Faith longs for the joy of seeing God glorified

for his capability and strength and wisdom and grace. In its religious form, works

accepts the challenge of morality, conquers its obstacles through great exertion,

and offers the victory to God as a payment for his approval and recompense. Faith too accepts

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