From an old classic titled, The Women in the Word:
There are many who follow Christ and work for Him, but have more of the spirit of service, more of the Spirit of bondmen, than that of real union with Him; many who work because they feel they ought, or because it is expected of them, or that they will lose a reward if they do not work. And there are those who work for Him because they cannot help it, because their interests are one with His, and it comes as naturally to them as breathing to “follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.” (Revelation 14:4 KJV) These are they who understand true union with the Lord, these are they who know what it is to wash themselves and put their raiment on them—“the righteousness of saints” (Rev 19:8 KJV)—and get down to the threshing-floor, and claim from Christ the oneness of heart, and spirit, and mind, which He has made possible to His own disciples.
(From “The Women in the Word,” M. Baxter. Bethshan Bookroom, p100.)
The conviction imparted by this quote goes far beyond faith versus works. I am challenged to examine the works I do by what faith I have. Are the works that I work truly wrought in God? in Spirit? and in Truth? Is what I do the natural output, or the fruit, of Him in me—an intimacy of relationship—or are they merely the product of awe and respect from a far-off distance? God grant me the courage to ask and accept His answer.
“Delight yourself also in the LORD…”
(Psalm 37:4)