We are the most blessed people in all the earth to have the experience of new birth in Christ. The culture of God’s Kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy, all of which become ours when we come to faith in Christ. The measure of our experience of His culture is directly correlated to the proportion of our surrender to Him. It is not by works that we can do that but actually just the opposite.
It is in the ceasing of effort on our part and simply trusting Him to make all things work in us to act and to will according to His purpose. Our acts of righteousness are to be done in secret unto our Heavenly Father while our good deeds, done in obedience to Christ, are carried out before others so that God will be glorified. His delight in us becomes our joy and gives us the strength we need to accomplish the things He asks us to do. As we abide in Him throughout the day and prepare to retire for the night, the sleep He gives us is a reward and blessing as we rest in Him.