Equipped for every good work

"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the law, to do them." But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "The just shall live by faith." Yet the law is not of faith, but "the man who does them shall live by them." Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree." Deut 21:23) that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galations 3:10-14)

These words tell us endless cycles of guilt and pride in righteous living are empty and futile. Joe mentioned a few weeks ago, "Sure there may be sin and mistakes in your life, but do you still love God? Are you still doing things that show you love God? (or words to that effect). The point is we need to remember that being wrapped up in our sinful nature is one of the biggest means of deception the enemy uses against us. How tragic it would be if, at the end of our lives, we stood before God and He asked us why we never shared the gospel with more people, or gave more of what we had to those who were in need. Do you think He would be satisfied with our saying "Uh, I'm too sinful and unworthy to do such things." Probably not. If God was a sarcastic God, He would likely say something along the lines of "Yeah...you and every single other son and daughter of Adam to stand before Me." The point I'm trying to make is, let's keep doing what God wants, asking Him to show our hearts what His will is. Every single one of us is just a beggar leading other beggars to where the bread of life is. They are starving out there, in more ways than just the obvious!