It is convenient to have energetic workers and liberal givers in the church, and we are tempted to wink at the wrong hearts and principles and lives of such, and inclined to encourage them in the thought that simply their works make them acceptable to God. But we may not compromise on this point if we would be true to God and to them. No man can indulge himself in evil and cover [147] his wrong course with good works or sacrifices. Works are indeed the crowning expression of faith, hope and love; and faith does not save, hope is mere air-castle building, love is empty sentimentalism, unless embodied in deeds. But so also, on the other hand, good works and gifts of money or other things are of no value except as they come from true faith and a heart that is right toward God. Works are the expression of a true heart, but can not make the heart true. "For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them." Beware lest you console yourself in a worldly, sinful life, screening yourself with your good works and gifts, and fancy that God will save you because of them! Beware lest you think God does not know the heart and search the innermost motives!

[TAG 147-148]