Titus 1:15

Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

Gary Woodland held on to win the US Open championship last evening. His major victory yesterday was a popular one to everyone who knows Gary Woodland. His character is spotless and his charities are numerous. Woodland is cordial to the media and he is generous with his time for fans. And I’m sure you remember the video from earlier this season at Waste Management when he played the famous par 3 number 16th hole with Amy Bockerstette. We may not have the golf skill of Gary Woodland but our good deeds, character and reputation can be as genuine when we have Christ in our lives.

The scripture above magnifies one aspect of the power of salvation. Immediately upon salvation the works of the believer become the fruits or evidences of the presence of Christ within our lives when our motives are pure. As morally and legally “good” as we can possibly be within ourselves, it is all defiled and unpleasing without Christ. All of the works and offerings of the unbeliever are unclean and worthless. The works of the unbeliever is defiled because even “their mind and conscience is defiled.“ In the days of the apostles, many attempted to observe the ceremonies of the law while mixing in portions of the teachings of Christ. The commingling of the two beliefs illustrated superstition and a certain amount of apprehension instead of a true belief and placement of full faith in Christ. The believer, however, places all his/her faith in Christ and acts in accordance with the furtherance of the gospel as the motivation. The works of the believer are defiled because they are done to uplift or exemplify the power and abilities of man. Let us exemplify the power of Christ in our life. Our daily reminder is written in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” All of our strength, abilities and opportunities come by and through our Savior!