Many people think they are doing good works for God by living austere lives of strict separation from the world. They strictly obey certain, self-imposed rules, or the rules of religious custom and tradition, and think they are maintaining good works. Most people think that outward deeds of morality, outward obedience to the law of God, or outward performance of religious duties are good works. If that which I do does not have these five characteristics, it is not a good work.
1. It Must be according to the command and will of God. That is good which is done in obedience to the Word of God and the direction of his Spirit. If I do something with great deligence, sincerity, self-denial and sacrifice, but do that which God has not required, that which I do is not a good work.
2. It must be done in faith. "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." "Without faith it is impossible to please God." This was the real difference between Cain's work and Abel's. Cain offered God a sacrifice without faith. Abel offered God a sacrifice of faith.
3. It must be done for the glory of God. "Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." The Pharisees prayed, fasted, tithed and gave alms to be seen of men, to get glory from men. And all that they did was an abomination to God, even though they had been commanded by God. All good works are the fruits of righteousness, done "by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God."
4. It must spring from and be motivated by love for Christ (John 14:15; II Cor. 5:14; I Tim. 1:5). That which is done to be seen of men, or for fear of punishment, or with a desire for gain is an abomination to God, no matter how good it appears to men. Love for Christ is the essence of obedience and the motive of all good works.
5. It must be performed with a willing heart (II Cor. 8:12). There must first be a willing heart. If that which I do for my brethren, my family, the furtherance of the gospel and the honor of Christ does not arise from a willing heart, without constraint of law or compulsion of fear, it is only evil and not good. It is not the work itself which God honors, for that is marred by sin, but the heart of love and faith.