(The following is the August 26 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Ephesians 2 and pay close attention to verses 1-10.)
Paul teaches that God saves us by grace through faith in Christ and not by good works (vv. 8-9). However, this doesn’t mean Christians have no connection with good works. On the contrary, our lives should overflow with good deeds out of gratitude to God for saving us.
In Ephesians 2:1-9, Paul describes how believers have moved from death to life through salvation. God does his work in us so we might fulfill his purposes in return. These purposes include glorifying God, making disciples, and being light in a world darkened by sin. He doesn’t save us so we can lounge around the rest of our days, waiting for our heavenly reward.
Paul explains: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do” (v. 10). Christians should love and serve others daily. When we consider what we have received in Christ and the eternal life we have yet to experience in all its fullness, our lives should demonstrate the difference Christ makes in us. We should engage in acts of kindness and mercy in our families, neighborhoods, communities, churches, workplaces, schools, and wherever else we have opportunities to make a difference. As we do good works, our words should explain that we do what we do because of what Christ has done for us.
Our motivation for good works is not to draw attention to ourselves but to show gratitude to God and point others to him. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
Next Step:
What kindnesses have you shown to others recently? What opportunities have you neglected? How can you let others know that love for Christ is your reason for loving others?
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