Despite the fact that [good actions cannot be used to win salvation], the Bible instructs Christians to carry out good deeds. But is doing good deeds contingent upon becoming a Christian? Are you unable to do good if you are not a Christian? The solution is not simple.
Non-Christians do right things
Any non-Christian you observe in action will show you that he practices numerous morally upright activities. For instance, telling the truth, providing for your family, assisting others, and donating money to charitable causes. Even atheists can be role models for Christians because of all the positive things they accomplish.
The Bible acknowledges the goodness of unbelievers. God promises the Persian monarch Cyrus in Isaiah 44:28 that “he shall fulfill all My purpose,” which includes returning Israel to its homeland. That is undoubtedly advantageous. However, God adds, “You do not know Me,” in reference to this ruler (Isaiah 45:5).
A further illustration can be found in Luke 10:25–37’s Good Samaritan parable. Jesus makes his listeners uncomfortable by presenting a tale in which the nonbeliever comes out on top. A injured traveler is abandoned by the priest and the Levite, but he is helped by the Samaritan, a non-Jewish person.
Now, this is merely a narrative that Jesus told; it is not a true account of what happened. However, Jesus demonstrates that this is a possibility by narrating the narrative. And most of us are certainly familiar with instances where non-believers acted morally while Christians failed. The first thing that must be stated is that, absolutely, non-Christians are capable of doing morally upright things, even to the point where it embarrasses Christians.
A right thing is not a good work
However, we must now go to the following phase. The Bible also claims that “there is none who does good, not even one” is what God exclaims as He peers down from heaven at the offspring of mankind. Romans 3:12 and Psalm 14:3 both state the same thing. Thus, how is it that even if individuals follow moral guidance in the absence of God, He yet declares that they are immoral?
This is the point at which we must introduce our intentions. It is possible for non-Christians to act morally and with good intentions toward others. However, before God accepts something as a good job, He looks for another noble motive: if we perform it in order to honor him. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “it is impossible to please God without faith.”
If you compare this to the following scenario—a young man curses his parents, breaks off communication with them, and emigrates to another nation—you should be able to appreciate why this seems so severe. The parents learn after a few years that their son has achieved great success. He is now a well-known and prosperous businessman. Are they happy with their son now? No. Their son’s refusal to interact with his parents still hurts, saddens, and disappoints them.
Similarly, if individuals do not love and honor God, then all the good deeds they perform are worthless to him. It matters what your intentions are. A good deed is only considered right in God’s eyes when it is carried out with the intention of honoring him.
You need the Holy Spirit for good works
You cannot accomplish good deeds with the intention that God desires if you do not love God. However, you can [often still fail to conduct good actions] if you love God. To carry out good deeds, you must be revitalized by the Holy Spirit’s power. It begins with a shift in your personality rather than with your effort.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control,” according to Galatians 5:22–23, describes what happens when the Holy Spirit is in you. When this becomes who you are, good things will emerge from it. In a way that is never possible for someone who does not believe in God, trust in Jesus, or have the Holy Spirit in his heart, others will see the power of God at work in you.
