Peace with God, Purpose in Life

EPHESIANS 2:8–10

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.

To have peace with God and purpose in life is a glorious mercy. Believer, that is what you have! You have been saved by grace, through faith, as a gift from above, not because of any good you have done, but despite the wrong you have done. You have peace with God, and what a mercy this is. You have also been given a purpose in life: to glorify Jesus through the good works He has given you to do. What a gift!

Your good works do not earn favor with God, but they do exalt the mercy of God. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). Jesus gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:14). So, we are to “be ready for every good work” and to “learn to devote [ourselves] to good works” to “help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful” (Titus 3:1, 8, 14).

The writer of Hebrews says we are to consider how we might “stir up one another to love and good works” (10:24). Timothy says we are “to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share” (1 Tim. 6:18). While good works are obvious, “even those that are not cannot remain hidden” for long (5:25). James says that the wise and understanding among us are to show their good works in the meekness of wisdom by their good conduct (3:13). Galatians says we’re to not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Gal. 6:9).

The Lord wants to encourage our zeal for good works. Even a cynical and hostile world celebrates virtue: “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?” (1 Peter 3:13). We can minimize hostility through courtesy and kindness. If we give ourselves to doing good works and serving others in love, generally, others won’t try to harm us. It’s unusual for those who are zealous for good to be mistreated. People don’t typically turn against those who serve and benefit the society around them. However, we’ll talk in the next meditation when that is the case.

May our conversation be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so we know how to answer everyone even as we are zealous for good works for the glory of God’s tender mercy! (Col. 4:6; Titus 3:8).

Reflect

What good works are you zealous for right now? Are there any new good works you believe God is calling you to focus on for His glory?

Let’s Pray

Father, thank You for the gift of salvation, which is by Your grace and not a result of my works. Thank You, also, for creating me in Christ Jesus to do good works, which You have prepared in advance that I should walk in. Holy Spirit, please strengthen and fill me with zeal for every good work. May my life and my service bring much glory to God above! In Jesus’ name, amen.