Colossians 3:17 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Our aim to meet the needs of others is secondary to the primary aim of glorifying God. Unbelievers can perform the same act but it can’t please God because the world’s aim isn’t to glorify God, for there is no obedience or subjection to his will—our aim is to glorify God. But it’s God’s spirit that aligns our motives to aim correctly. 1 Cor 2:12 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
When the aim of our service is to glorify God, he will receive glory from others because the light “shines” making his character visible to all. Jesus says in Matthew 5:16 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.Though we serve and perform good works it does not replace our responsibility to evangelize. I want to be clear about evangelism. Evangelism is communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ typically through verbal or written transmission. It is sharing the gospel as the holy spirit leads with the intention of leading people to salvation.
Paul reaffirms the difference between service and evangelism in Romans 10:14-15 And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:17 17
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Service and performing good works does not replace our responsibility to evangelize. Our good works, our servant acts—create evangelistic opportunities and serves as a reflection of the character of Jesus Christ to everyone as we aim towards the glory of God.