Editor’s note: During the month of June, we are focusing on “Created To Do Good Works.” Ephesians 2:10 states that “we are God’s handiworks, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” I pray that you will search for ways to be God’s handiwork as we learn from other women.
In a world where nothing feels quite “normal,” we have a unique opportunity to impact lives in the most positive and incredible way!
As believers, we understand that “good works” will not eventually, no matter how hard we try, secure our salvation. In the book of Ephesians the word says, “it is not of yourself, it [salvation] is a gift from God.” It is only through Jesus Christ that we can be saved! Sometimes, the harder side for us to grasp, is that salvation WILL produce “good works.” Ephesians 2:10 says we are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We must realize the purpose for which we are created! If our lives are filled by the Holy Spirit, then our character and behavior will be like Christ.
GUYS!! We were CREATED to do good works. It is innate, born IN us, natural, …our very nature to the core of our being! How cool is that! Like the scripture says, He prepared these works in advance for us. I encourage you pray and ask that God will soften your heart and prepare your mind to obey His will for you. What kind of “good works” is He calling you to do?
I would also encourage you to see “good works” in terms of your whole life; not separated by religious activity, but instead throughout your daily walk. Occasionally, good works are big things, but mostly it is through the small acts of serving others in your daily life. In my personal life it looks like cooking dinner for my family, tucking my children in safely at night, teaching them to love and shine the light of Jesus, and to think of others above themselves. It might look like taking time to help the elderly lady at the grocery store reach the top shelf or taking my friends’ kids because I know she needs a break. This is where we are given that opportunity to impact lives in such a powerful way! What do the small, but paramount, good-works look like in your day-to-day life?
When I am walking hand-in-hand with Jesus, these things are easy — my very nature in Christ! BUT, when I am living in a rush, selfishly….with my task driven list, or separated from God, these things seem quite exhausting! Sometimes if we just pause for a moment, we will feel the nudge from the Holy Spirit which is God’s incredible way of reminding us to keep up these good works He’s prepared for us. Let’s agree to walk in the Spirit daily, and I know WE CAN change the world!
We would like to thank Megan Henderson for writing this blog post!
Women's Ministry 