Titus 3:3-7 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

The above Scripture paints a complete “before” and “after” picture of the believer. It tells us who and what we really were before the Father drew us to gaze upon his Son, Jesus. We were revealed as naked and poverty stricken before him with no way to save ourselves. He redeemed us, all by himself because of his great love. So now we have nothing of which to boast. “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.” (Ephesians 2: 8-9). What Christ did is complete and perfect and makes us heirs to eternal life.

You say: wonderful! Now what? Rejoice, and stop trying to be goody-goody to impress others. The work you now do is not to gain salvation nor is it about you or your reputation. The name of the Lord is at stake – seek his will and his purpose: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10). If you find yourself responding to the Holy Spirit and doing things that in time past you would not even consider or “stoop” to do, and which often will bring you no praise or recognition, and perhaps even ridicule, then you are on the right track. It is called obedience.