Doing Good Works By W. Scott Brown

Doing The Good Works God Has Prepared for Us

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10)

Cultural conflict grabs headlines, but there is another story happening today. Christian organizations and leaders are quietly and faithfully transforming lives. It’s The Salvation Army “doing the most good” in every U.S. Zip Code. It’s World Vision transforming communities to address global poverty. It’s Compassion International building bridges between sponsors and children-in-need. It’s CRISTA supporting the elderly. It’s Joni and Friends providing hope to those with disabilities. It’s these and many thousands of other Christian nonprofits and churches impacting communities every day.

Freedom to Shine

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16)

Doing “good works” not only lets our light shine, bringing glory to God, it also supports religious liberty. On behalf of the Alliance, I participate in Washington, D.C. discussions on religious liberty, and hear how sharing such stories of community impact can help members of Congress better articulate the wider societal benefits afforded by religious liberty.

Freedom to Serve

We’re in a historical moment requiring wise, humble and courageous Christian leadership.

Sometimes I stroll by the U.S. Supreme Court and U.S. Capitol just as I did more than 30 years ago on my first day on Capitol Hill. I reflect on our nation’s vibrant democratic institutions and enduring freedoms, including our religious liberty.

I’m thankful for the First Amendment protections enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, and the democracy that upholds the freedoms we cherish. We must diligently defend our democracy and protect religious freedom. As we do, let us always be winsome witnesses who spread the aroma of Christ!

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ…” (2 Cor. 2:14-15a)

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W. Scott Brown is the Vice President for Leadership Experiences and Resources for Christian Leadership Alliance, and Editor-in-Chief for Outcomes magazine. This is an adapted excerpt from his article in the Summer edition of Outcomes Magazine!

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