“What shall we do, then, brethren? Shall we become slothful in well-doing, and cease from the practice of love? God forbid that any such course should be followed by us! But rather let us hasten with all energy and readiness of mind to perform every good work. For the Creator and Lord of all Himself rejoices in His works.
For by His infinitely great power He established the heavens, and by His incomprehensible wisdom He adorned them. He also divided the earth from the water which surrounds it, and fixed it upon the immoveable foundation of His own will. The animals also which are upon it He commanded by His own word into existence. So likewise, when He had formed the sea, and the living creatures which are in it, He enclosed them [within their proper bounds] by His own power. Above all, with His holy and undefiled hands He formed man, the most excellent [of His creatures], and truly great through the understanding given him — the express likeness of His own image. For thus says God: “Let us make man in Our image, and after Our likeness. So God made man; male and female He created them.” Having thus finished all these things, He approved them, and blessed them, and said, “Increase and multiply.”
We see, then, how all righteous men have been adorned with good works, and how the Lord Himself, adorning Himself with His works, rejoiced. Having therefore such an example, let us without delay accede to His will, and let us work the work of righteousness with our whole strength.”
Clement of Rome (30-100) in 1 Clement 33, a.k.a. the first letter of Clement to the Corinthians 33.
Early this morning, I read excerpts from the Apostolic Fathers. Clement of Rome is a personal favorite, as he is thought to be the same Clement who was co-worker of the Apostle Paul mentioned in Philippians 4:3.
Clement exhorts fellow Christ followers (and us) to “hasten with all energy and readiness of mind to perform every good work” inspired by God’s good works evidenced in all of creation. As we enjoy the beauty of Spring, may we hasten to “work the work of righteousness with our whole strength” so that as people see our good works, they will glorify our Father who is in Heaven (cf. Matthew 5:16).
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