Good Deeds Can Be Worthless

It’s a sobering thought not all good deeds are good in God’s eyes. In fact, Scripture tells us some deeds even those that appear moral, sacrificial, and even religious are utterly worthless when measured by heaven’s standards.

Jesus made this distinction in Luke 18:10–14, where He described two men: a Pharisee who tithed, fasted, and lived a visibly upright life, and a tax collector who humbly pleaded for mercy. The Pharisee’s long list of righteous acts earned him nothing before God. But the broken, humble tax collector went home justified.

This scene is a warning. It tells us that external goodness alone does not make a deed virtuous. So the question we must ask ourselves isn’t simply, “Am I doing good things?” but rather, “Why am I doing them and by whose strength?”

The Vanity of Good Deeds Done in Self-Reliance

Our modern world praises productivity, independence, and visible impact. If someone gives to charity, volunteers regularly, or serves tirelessly, we applaud them. But God doesn’t judge deeds the same way we do. The question in God’s courtroom is not just what you did, but why you did it and how.

The Apostle Peter provides the clearest answer in 1 Peter 4:10–11 “Whoever serves, [let him do so] as one who serves by the strength that God supplies in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”

This is the dividing line between eternally fruitful works and self-exalting vanity. The Pharisee’s mistake wasn’t fasting or tithing it was boasting in his own strength and assuming that his good deeds earned him favor before God. He trusted in himself, not in the mercy or strength of God.

As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 4:7 “What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?”

All strength, all intellect, all resources even our desire to do good are gifts from God. When we forget this, we steal the glory for ourselves.

Two Servants, Two Spirits

Imagine two people volunteering at a church cleanup. One is strong, experienced, and capable. He’s eager to contribute, but inwardly driven by pride, comparison, and the hope of recognition. He gets more done than anyone else yet his heart is filled with grumbling and ego.

The other is physically weaker. He’s battling illness and pain. But he prays, shows up, and serves with joy, gratitude, and humility. Every brush stroke and broom sweep is offered as worship. He knows he only made it there because of God’s grace and he gives all the credit to God.

Who brought God more glory?

Jesus answers this indirectly in Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Not just see your works but see through your works to your Father.

The issue isn’t activity. It’s the attitude and the Source. God is not impressed by performance that lacks dependence. The question is not simply “Did you do good?” but “Did you do good in reliance upon My strength?”

The Secret to God-Glorifying Service

So how do we ensure our deeds aren’t in vain?

The answer lies in humble dependence a conscious awareness that every breath, every ounce of energy, every opportunity, and every resolve to serve is a gift from God. We serve best when we serve:

• In prayer, asking for God’s strength.

• In gratitude, knowing we are undeserving vessels.

• In humility, refusing to compare ourselves to others or seek applause.

• In faith, trusting that God sees what others don’t.

Jesus Himself modeled this. In John 5:19, He said “The Son can do nothing of His own accord.”

If the Son of God served in total dependence on the Father, how much more should we?

Be Warned, But Also Encouraged

Yes, it is possible for good deeds to be worthless if they are done in pride, independence, or to earn approval. But God is not after performance. He’s after hearts that know Him, trust Him, and depend on Him.

Paul calls us “God’s workmanship,” created in Christ Jesus “for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). But these works are not rooted in self-effort. They are born from a life lived in the power of Christ, and they blossom when we offer everything back to Him in worship.

That means even the smallest act a word of encouragement, a silent prayer, a humble gesture can be eternally weighty when done in His strength, for His glory.

As you reflect on your own life, ask:

• Am I trusting in myself or relying on God?

• Do I serve to be seen by others or to glorify my Father?

• Am I giving credit where it’s due or subtly stealing the spotlight?

There’s no need to fear or fall into self-doubt. Instead, let the truth of your dependence free you. Walk in humble reliance. Pray before you act. Thank God after you serve. And remember: God is glorified not by what you do alone, but by how you trust Him while doing it.

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