(Isa) 26:10, 17-18 CJB “Even if pity is shown to the wicked, he still doesn’t learn what righteousness is. In a land of uprightness he will still act wrongly and fail to see the majesty of Adonai. As a pregnant woman about to give birth cries out and writhes in her labor pains, so we have been at your presence, Adonai — we have been pregnant and been in pain. But we, as it were, have given birth to wind; we have not brought salvation to the land, and those inhabiting the world have not come to life.”

Christian good works are never an end in themselves. They are meant to glorify God by pointing people to Jesus Christ. While believers should care for the poor, help the hurting, and serve their communities, our ultimate purpose is not simply to improve someone’s temporary circumstances but to reconcile people to God through the gospel.

Isaiah laments the failure of God’s people: “We have been pregnant and been in pain. But we, as it were, have given birth to wind; we have not brought salvation to the land…” (Isaiah 26:17-18)

What a sobering picture.

Great effort.

Much activity.

Little eternal fruit.

Christian Good Works Must Point to Christ

Jesus constantly combined compassion with proclamation.

He healed the sick.

He fed the hungry.

He welcomed the outcast.

Yet every miracle served a greater purpose.

His works authenticated His message.

His kindness opened hearts to hear His call to repent and believe the gospel.

The goal was never simply healthier bodies.

The goal was transformed hearts.

As followers of Christ, our good works should do the same.

They should create opportunities to speak about the Savior who alone can forgive sin and reconcile people to God.

Temporary Relief Is Not Eternal Rescue

Unbelievers also perform acts of kindness.

They donate money.

Volunteer their time.

Build hospitals.

Support charities.

These actions often benefit society, and Christians can gladly acknowledge that common grace produces much civic good.

But apart from Christ, even the greatest humanitarian efforts cannot save a soul.

Scripture reminds us that this present world is passing away.

Every building.

Every organization.

Every earthly accomplishment.

One day God will create a new heaven and a new earth.

What remains forever are people.

That is why Christian good works must aim beyond temporary comfort toward eternal transformation.

Don’t Give Birth to Wind

Isaiah’s warning should cause every believer to examine his priorities.

Are we investing our lives in things that merely make life more comfortable?

Or are we investing in what will last forever?

God has left His Church on earth for a clear purpose:

To make disciples.

To proclaim reconciliation through Jesus Christ.

To teach people to obey everything Christ has commanded.

Our acts of service are not the gospel.

They are bridges to the gospel.

When we love people well and faithfully speak about Christ, God often uses both together to draw sinners to Himself.

Fruit That Lasts Forever

Jesus told His disciples, “I chose you so that you should go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”

Lasting fruit is not measured simply by activity.

It is measured by transformed lives.

When men and women repent, believe the gospel, and begin following Jesus, eternal fruit has been born.

That is why we serve.

That is why we give.

That is why we love.

Not so people think highly of us.

But so they will glorify our Father in heaven by coming to know His Son.

May we never be content with giving birth to wind when God has called us to bear fruit that lasts forever.

Run Today’s Play

• Ask are my acts of kindness creating opportunities for people to hear about Jesus, or have I become satisfied with doing good without sharing the gospel?
• Look for one opportunity today to connect an act of kindness with a clear conversation about Jesus Christ.
• Pray specifically for one person you are serving, asking God to use your relationship to open a door for the gospel.