Not By Works

Too many well-intentioned people are so preoccupied with the clatter of effort to do something for God that they don't hear Him asking that He might do something through them.

— Thomas R. Kelly, A Testament of Devotion

Kelly was an American Quaker professor who dedicated his life to listening for God's call through the angst and anxiety of two world wars. When World War I broke out, Kelly traveled to England with the YMCA to work with German prisoners of war. He was eventually fired from that position when his ardent pacifism angered military officials, and he returned to the United States to complete his PhD.

Kelly taught at Earlham College, Wellesley College, and the University of Hawaii before pursuing a second doctoral degree — a testament to his continued search for God's calling on his life. After several years of coursework and research, he published his second dissertation but failed the oral defense due to a memory lapse. That experience sent him into a spiritual crisis, and in 1938, Kelly moved to Berlin to be an encouragement to Quakers living under Hitler's regime.

On the morning of January 17, 1943, Kelly learned that Harper & Bros. was interested in publishing his book of devotions; shockingly, he died of a heart attack later that day. Thankfully colleagues were able to gather and submit his works, leading to the publication of A Testament of Devotion later that same year.

With a steadfast faith despite the turmoil in the world around him, Kelly lived a life of serving and seeking, opening himself daily to God's new plans. Too often we slide into the ease of good works, assuming that what we do will prove to the world, to ourselves, and to God that we are good people and good Christians. And while good works indeed will emerge from a faith-filled life, be wary of making works your focus. Hear Paul's words to those worshipping in Ephesus:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

How can you ensure this week — this new year — that you are open to the myriad of ways God may be working through you rather than focusing on a checklist of tasks you can do for Him? The Lord created each of us uniquely, intricately, and perfectly, and He has plans for your good gifts. Are you prepared to listen well for the Holy Spirit's call on each new day?

Peace on your week,

Jennie