Vol 2 No 43 THEO'S DEVOS
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
There is a common misconception in this world that going to heaven depends on our 'good works.' That, when we die, God puts everything we have done on some kind of balance beam and if our good works outweigh our bad works we get in but, if not, we stay out. Notice that our verse today places an importance on good works but it puts them in their proper place. If going to heaven was dependent on our good works, how many works would that be? Could we ever know how we stood before Him. Now many would tell us that you cannot know but John tells us, in his first letter, that 'I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13. John clearly places the issue on where our faith is and not on works.
But what about works. Surely they have an important place in the life of a Christian. Our verse tells us that good works are the result of saving faith. That saving faith produces these good works. It is in this light that Paul calls us 'His masterpiece.' He does that because the word workmanship is a word poem. God is putting Himself on display through the lives of Christians. We are His workmanship, His poem of wonder before a lost and dying world. A masterpiece also brings to mind a painting. God is painting a masterpiece in order to show how wonderful He is. It is our good works that should be that display; Our compassion, love, devotion and kindness, among many other descriptive words, displays His incredible character and love.
And notice something very important here. He has 'planned these things for us a long time ago.' If you look carefully, you will find many times in your life when opportunities for these kind of good works are laid before you in such a way that you almost trip over them. We do not always take advantage of them but they are there nonetheless. Every time there is an opportunity to serve in some way: in the church or community, we have a chance to demonstrate good works. We can, in the name of Jesus, do good things for others. Senseless acts of beauty and random acts of kindness display parts of the masterpiece that God is revealing to the world.
I have seen missionaries all over the world give their lives to demonstrate God's love. I was amazed at the dedication I saw while visiting India. People from other cultures gave up all they had to go and live with the people of Calcutta, and other Indian cities, because they wanted to show the love of God to those who lived there. We have not been as good at this as we could have. Sin in our lives gets in the way, to be sure, but sin does not stop us from doing our part. We are His masterpiece and we must live like that.
Do you look for those times when you can show your appreciation for what God has done in your life by performing good works in His name. If you pay attention, you will see lots of them. They have been planned for you for a long time. They lie in wait for you to act. God walks by your side to encourage you in this direction. It is the reason you live. To be the expression of Jesus to those around you and to share His love by telling them about the good news of the gospel.
My prayer for you is that you discover more and more times to display God's good works today, tomorrow and the next day for as long as you live. May God bless you.
Theo
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