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Created to Do Good Works

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand,

that we should walk in them.”

Ephesians 2:10, ESV

Created for good works. Walking through each day with attention to God’s presence and activity. Engaged in life-giving conversations. Extending compassion and care. Faithfully fulfilling responsibilities with joy.

It sounds right, and yet the idea of doing good work consistently well can add pressure to an already demanding load. Jesus knew this. In Matthew 11:28–30 he extends an invitation to those who are weary, to those of us who wonder how we will sustain this pace. Jesus says, Come to me, walk with me, work with me, learn from me—I will teach you how to live (MSG). Jesus calls us out of frantic, frenzied, burdened living—trying to earn salvation and affirmation by our good works—into a life that is filled with “unforced rhythms of grace” (MSG).

Our identity as those who are created for good works is the result of our relationship with Christ and God’s new creation work in us and through us. We watch to see where God is working and we join him. In Ephesians 2, Paul emphasizes at least three things about being created in Christ Jesus for good works.

1. We’ve Been Made Alive in Christ (Eph. 2:1–6). Paul contrasts life before Christ and life with Christ. Previously we followed the ways of the world, gratifying our sinful nature by doing whatever we felt like doing when we felt like it. Our lives were self-absorbed, selfish and disobedient. And then, in an incredible act of mercy and love, God rescued us from sin and made us alive in Christ. We didn’t do any work to make this happen. It’s all a gift! God’s good work involves human beings coming alive in Christ. He repairs, restores and redeems our lives, our relationships and our activities to align with his purposes.

2. We Join God in His Work (Eph. 2:7–13). Paul references the rich history of God’s covenants and promises and how they were fulfilled through Christ’s death on the cross. Again, all God’s work, not ours. Jesus understood this larger perspective and lived accordingly. When he walked on earth Jesus didn’t decide what to do and then ask God to bless his work. Instead, he positioned himself with his Father’s work, doing “only what he saw his Father doing” (John 5:19, NIV). Jesus modeled intentionality and purpose, knowing where to go and what to do. He also knew what not to do. We learn from Jesus that God’s good work is about his activity, in his timing, in his way—and we get to join him.

3. We’re in This Together (Eph. 2:14–18). God’s good works are reflected in his people, in the way we relate and work together. Paul addresses animosity and suspicion, reminding us that Jesus tore down walls of hostility and gave everyone a fresh start. We are equals. We have the same Spirit. We have equal access to the Father. We are part of something together. Let’s not get fooled into believing that achieving fantastic results is more important than how we treat one another in the process. Loving each other well is real work—let’s make it good work!

Being created to do good works is not about working harder and doing more. Rather, it is being invited into a dynamic relationship with Jesus and others, attentive and responsive to the Spirit, joining with God in what he is doing to make all things right.

“He’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.”