Created for Good Works | Morning Routine Daily Devotional for February 6

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. — Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV

In Ephesians 2, the Apostle Paul describes what we were like before we believed in Jesus: dead in our trespasses and sins, following the ways of the world, and pursuing the passions of the flesh. “But God…” verse 4 begins. But God has saved us and “made us alive.” And in today’s passage, we learn not only how we are saved, but for what we are saved! 

Paul says that we have been saved by grace (God’s unearned favor) and through faith, or belief, in Jesus Christ. Our salvation does not rest in our good works (Thank the Lord!). Good works are not how we are saved, but they are an important part of the why. We are created in Christ Jesus for good works. These are the things God wants us to do, in our own lives and to advance His kingdom. In fact, these works were planned beforehand, according to Paul. 

Have you ever wondered why God doesn’t just take us to heaven when we are saved? Why doesn’t He just get us out of here? Well, He’s left us here for a reason, and it includes the things he wants you to accomplish during your life. Today, let me encourage you to walk in the good works that God has prepared for you as one saved by grace through faith. As you work in the kingdom, in education, in the church, remember this: We work from salvation, not for it. So, today, let’s work hard!