Romans 4:1-4 NKJV

[1] What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? [2] For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. [3] For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” [4] Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.

I have always (mistakenly) believed that doing right by people earned us favor with God. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with doing the right thing. In fact, it is exactly what we are supposed to do. Where I got it wrong was the expectation of receiving something in return for the good I have offered.

Works-based faith is a trap set by the enemy to exhaust our limited resources. We don't have the energy or ability to do what God can do. When we run short, God uses our faith to carry us the rest of the way. Picking up our cross is not always a physical burden. For me, picking up my cross means laying down my will, my way, and my pride and trusting that God will do what He promised. Doing the right thing is a byproduct of the grace we receive. Following Jesus with faith makes us look, act, and do as He does.