A Promise to Ponder Vol. 1, Issue 12

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Workmanship - 1) that which has been made, 2) a work, a) of the works of God as creator

before ordained - 1) to prepare before, to make ready beforehand+

   In a society where everyone is all about, “What I think.” “What I’m doing.” “I am my own person.” And “With enough positive thinking I can do anything I want.” We hear a lot about self esteem, “IIII….” This is what the world is about. What is God about? Well…. We are told in the Bible in Phillipians 2:3 “3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” As we study the Bible we find two things are evident 1. Life is not about I, it’s about God. 2. Life is not about I it’s about others. Let’s focus on the first point; Life is not about I it’s about God.

   First we must see that we are God’s workmanship. We have not done anything on our own. Jesus said in John 15:5 that “…without me ye can do nothing.” Every breath is given by God to us. The strength we have to minister, work, and serve others is ALL given by God. Try as we may there is nothing in this life; including life itself; that God has not mercifully given us.

   Next we see that according to this verse we as Christians are created in Christ Jesus unto good works. While good works will not save you, it is part of God’s plan that we Christians serve others. Are we to act in our own interest? NO. This life is not at all about what I can gain, but what can I give. God will bless as we serve others first.

   Finally we can see in this verse that this has ALWAYS been God’s plan. It was before ordained that we should walk in them (good works). Why is good works so important to God if they do not take anyone to heaven? Because God knew from before time that it is good works that will bring glory to God. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Good works are so important because it is by our works that others will see Christ in us. Because it is the nature of this flesh to do what is “best” for self, it truly makes people stop and consider what is different when a person does good works simply to help others. I have had people tell me before that everyone does nice things for others only because they want something in return. It was then I was able to point them to Christ. So, go out in the power of God and do good works, after all you as a Christian have been created for that purpose. Now there’s a promise to ponder.