When producers prepare commodities for market, they conserve the off-falls and use them for byproducts. The word byproduct is defined as: "Anything produced in the course of making another thing; a secondary or incidental product or result." For example, coal has byproducts -- sulphur, ammonia, light oil solvents, and coal tar derivatives. I think we can see that the byproducts of some commodities are extremely valuable. This is also true of salvation. "But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner." {Hebrews 6:9} Must we do things to "accompany" our salvation that are byproducts of that salvation?

The ultimate purpose of Christ's coming to this low land of sin and sorrow was the salvation of men's souls -- all else was secondary (Romans 5:6-8). He came to save the sinner from an awful fate (Luke 19:10). Those who advocate the social aspect of the gospel have missed the point. While we do enjoy many byproducts, some of them social, of obedience to the gospel, it is by conforming our lives to what God's word teaches that, besides saving our souls, we are privileged to enjoy various byproducts that result from that salvation. For example, following God's marriage-relationship pattern -- one man, one woman, faithfully treating one another properly, for life -- results in a strong, happy marriage. This is a byproduct of obeying. (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:9; Ephesians 5:22-33) Following are others...

Peace of mind. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." {Romans 5:1} What could be more precious than peace of mind? Many people, feeling frustrated at not finding this peace, take their own lives (Philippians 4:7). Baptism into Christ's death is said to be "the answer of a good conscience toward God" (1 Peter 3:21). When God pardons us, we should feel as though He has lifted heavy burdens from our shoulders. At night, when we lay our heads on our pillows, we can have true peace of mind because we know that, should we not wake to see another day, all will be well with our souls!

Transformed character and personality. The one who obeys Christ becomes a new creature, who walks in a new way (Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17). When the apostles confronted the religious leaders of that day, they took note that they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Christianity transforms a man's existence into so much more than it was before he obeyed. It can turn the vilest sinner into an asset to his family, the community, and the Lord's church! Look at Saul of Tarsus and how his conversion transformed him -- from one who caused havoc within the church, and led an intense persecution -- to the great apostle Paul, preacher, apostle, and ambassador for Christ! When one comes to Christ, the changes in his life are in addition to the salvation he's been given, and putting these changes into practice enables the convert to retain his salvation!

Transformed into soul winners who are concerned for others. People stop being selfish and concerned only for themselves; they begin to see the real needs of others. "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." {Philippians 2:3,4} When Jesus talked and taught the Samaritan woman at the well, she went into the city and told others about Him (John 4:28,29). One who is truly converted, and who loves Christ, expresses that love through his desire to point others to the light that will enable them also to enjoy these spiritual blessings.

Nothing is more important than the salvation of our souls. But, if we strive to conform our lives to His will, we'll enjoy many byproducts of our salvation. The world cannot take these from us, or in any degree, give them to us. Christians should be the best neighbors, the best citizens, the best husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, employers, and employees; in other words, the cream of the crop! Attitude goes a long way toward ensuring our willingness to be all we can be for the Lord. Are you seeing the byproducts of living for Christ? If not, why not -- God expects us, by the lives we lead, to touch others!