Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Have you ever thought of yourself as God’s handiwork? We are His creation, made new, purchased by the blood of Christ and reshaped into something unique, beautiful, and holy. In Greek the word used for handiwork is poiema and it is a masterpiece. It is an intentional creation that has been shaped and moulded by the Greatest Artist of all time, God. We are not a random object or an accidental product. He has transformed us into His masterpiece, His handiwork.
Paul went on to say that we were created in Christ Jesus to do good works. This refers to a spiritual birth, a transformation from a sinner undeserving of grace and mercy to a new creation, holy and blameless, perfect in His eyes. Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we have moved from a destiny where we were forever separated from God to one where we will inherit the kingdom of Light and enjoy fellowship with Him forevermore.
Prior to today’s verse we saw in Ephesians 2:8-9 that we are saved by grace through faith and not from anything we do on our own. The works that we produce are the evidence of a transformed life. They are the result of the change that took place within our hearts and our lives.
The verse goes on to state the fact that God has laid out a purpose for our lives and He has provided a specific path of good works that we choose to engage in. He has orchestrated the opportunities for us and we step forward and engage with them. Whether you believe in predestination or not, we have free will and have to choose to be obedient to the calling He has placed on our lives.
Today’s verse demonstrates why we are saved. We are not meant to live a life of idleness and leisure. We are to step into the God-created purpose He has prepared for us. We obey the call to serve and the production of good works is the result of our yes. Some of the works we produce include everyday acts of kindness and forgiveness, loving others in our home and outside of it, fulfilling our daily roles and responsibilities (such as being a student, being a parent, being an employee, caring for others, etc.).
Our works are the proof of the transformation that has taken place in our hearts. We see it in the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, etc. We also see it in the way we live our lives. We begin to live in a manner that brings glory to God.
As we wrap up today’s devotion, let’s spend some time in prayer thanking God for the opportunities He has given us to produce good works. He has a purpose for our lives and He has opened the doors for us to walk through to do it. Don’t take it for granted. Obey the call to serve and let your transformed life glorify Him.
Prayer: Lord, Thank You for the opportunities to serve You. I want to be obedient to Your calling in my life and produce good works for You that bring You glory. Amen
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