For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
When I read this passage, and once I get beyond the wonder that we are His handiwork, it is easy for me to get hung up on the works that He’s prepared for me to do. There must be some specific tasks that He’s assigned for me and it causes some concern if I am getting it done. I want to know I’m fulfilling my mission but how do I know if I’m focusing on the right thing?
What if these good works that Paul mentions are less individualized? I am sure that there are particular callings set aside for some – like John the Baptist or Moses. But maybe those are the exception.
God’s creation is designed to be tended. He put Adam and Eve to work in it from the beginning. But then the fall, chaos ensued and His beautiful world was marred. Now, as redeemed people, created anew in Christ Jesus, we have a job to do. We need to be about the task of restoring, bringing healing to people and all creation through Him. The plan was already in place when we became new creatures. It has been waiting for us all along. It was prepared.
Man’s first job was to tend the garden, but now the world needs repair. God could do it with the snap of a finger, but He enlists us to participate. His creation was designed for this – and so are we. When I am involved in His good work, whether big or small, it thrills my soul and I know this is what I was designed to do.
Yet this isn’t a job He has prepared for me. It’s a job He’s prepared for us. We need to do it together – all of us - the good work that is set before us. We work not to gain His merit, but because we already have it. That’s clear in the preceding verse. We are to be about restoring the creation, tending His sheep, and bringing the Kingdom. The work is already laid out. Let’s get to it.
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
