What is a good work?
This seems to an innocuous question—one that everyone can answer, correct?
Let’s not jump to conclusions too quickly. A definition is in order.
Let’s start with the definition of good. The pedestrian view is that the adjective good is a synonym for I like it. One might say, it was a good day or it was a good meal or it was a good movie. This definition correlates with the common usage of the word good. But looking a little deeper, the online dictionary provided the definition: “having the qualities required for a particular role.” This is different from I like it, which is a subjective standard. The dictionary definition is a more objective standard assuming that the definition of particular role is objective. The dictionary also offered the definition: “possessing or displaying moral virtue.” This raises the standard of the definition to a matter of ethics, again presuming that ethics is an objective standard. This latter definition is more aligned with the biblical definition.
Biblically, good is a divine attribute as noted in the above text. Therefore, to use the adjective good to describe anything, including a work, intimates that the work is aligned with the character and nature of God. Therefore, I suggest that a biblical definition of a good work is a work done congruent with God's will, God's ways, in God's timing, and for God's glory.
If God is sovereign, intentional, and strategic, then God has a will for everything. Furthermore, he has ways he wants his will executed and timing for everything in his will. And he requires that the motive be to glorify himself alone. So, for any action to be characterized as a good work, it must be congruent with God's will and ways, and in God's timing, and for God's glory.
Christians are regenerated to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). They are to gather regularly to stimulate each other to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24–25). And they are to evangelize (be light to the world) through their good works (Matthew 5:14–16).
Good works are not humanly defined; they are divinely defined. Humans are, therefore, responsible to discern or discover their divinely ordained work assignments and to perform them according to God's ways, in God's timing, and for God's glory. This is the responsibility of every Christian in every context of life.
Here is your business tip. Wise organizational leaders understand the divine definition of good works. They seek to discern God's will. They study Scripture to learn God's ways. They prayerfully seek God's timing. And they hold each other accountable to the singular motive of God's glory. These leaders build cultures within organizations that embrace this biblical definition of good works. Consequently, the fruit of organizations committed to God's will, ways, timing, and glory will be good!
