God’s Handiwork - by Karen Pourbabaee
“For we are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God prepared in advance that we should live in them.” Ephesians 2:10 NAB
About five years ago when I retired, I discovered this graceful little piece of china in an antique shop. It sat on my desk a while, then one morning after reading Ephesians 2:10, I inscribed those life-giving words onto it, creating my own little work of art. It’s a reminder that my Father not only fashioned me into something beautiful, but He still had a specific plan for my life…many good works planned in advance, just waiting for me to live in them.
Now good works have gotten a bad rap in some religious circles. Human efforts don’t win us entry into heaven…it’s a gift of His grace through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. But in Ephesians it appears good works are the primary job description for God’s children. Pray for God to reveal them. Not just any work will do. Live in what He created you for. Not to earn your own righteousness or just to feel good about yourself.
Here’s the thing… good works give a witness to your life redeemed by grace. They will glorify God and make Him known. They’re a statement of your faith. An act of thanksgiving for new life. They fuel your faith (faith without works is dead; James 2:26). They are an exercise of your spiritual gifts, a sowing to the Spirit so you may reap life in the Spirit.(Galatians 6:8)
You are God’s very own work of art. Be a living monument of His grace. Go forth and glorify Him.
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