Sycamore

“Many well-meant efforts at so-called sanctification become sinful.  For the man who applies himself earnestly and diligently to good works, solely to attain a holier status and thus become a holier person, has lost his reward.  His end in view is not God, but himself; and…this wrongly planned sanctification causes self-exaltation and spiritual pride.” - Abraham Kuyper

Translation: doing good things because you think it will accomplish something between you and God seems really holy but is actually really arrogant.  No one will stand before God and brag, “Not only did I trust in Christ, but I was really obedient as well!” and have Him nod with approval.  There will be no sly winks from God to those who are “really holy” on that day.  The only praise will be for the Lamb who was slain - not your really super commitment.

11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” 14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped. Revelation 5:11-14