But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 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 2:4-10
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 2 Corinthians 8:11
Sparkling Advent #9: The Gift of Good Works to Do (Ephesians 2:4, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Corinthians 8:11)
Early in my Bible art journaling journey, a thought became the foundation of my experience with this particular way of interacting with God’s word. That thought is,
“Perfection in our art is not the point. The point is to spend time in the Word of God, so that He can transform us from the inside out. We are His masterpiece – He is working on us!”
His Masterpiece
This idea is based in Ephesians 2:10 –
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Good Works
We are the art that God is creating! Even so, that does not mean that we are not supposed to be doing anything. He created us on purpose. He has good works for us to do.
You might be thinking, “Work? That’s not a blessing!” However, the work God has for us, He is empowering us to do. We are created to do those good works and they help us sparkle to others.
Uniquely Created
You might have the gift of hospitality, ready to open your home to others at a moment’s notice. You could be a really good cook or baker, who could share food with those who have been in the hospital or are going through a rough patch. You might sing like an angel and have a gift for leading worship. Maybe, you have a ministry of making cards for the elderly like one of my readers. There are so many ways God can use us to sparkle for Him in our world – ways for which we have been uniquely created.
I like to write and create art, so even though there are many others who are better at it than I am, God is using me to run this blog. Sometimes, we just need to be the one willing to say yes. I have a really good friend who always stays late at church functions to make sure that things are cleaned up and the burden doesn’t fall entirely to the church staff. Another friend of mine leads a Bible study for women and checks in with “her ladies” in between meetings. My sister has a ministry/business helping to connect businesses and her community through social media.
What are your good works?
What opportunities do you see God opening up for you? Do you have skills, talents, or things you have learned that could benefit others? Do you see a need that you could help to fill? God’s mercy and love blesses us with good works to do so we have purpose and direction. His Word equips us and empowers us!
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Never too old
Some people I have met think that they have “aged out” of doing God’s work. I have news for you – we never retire from a calling to do the good works for which God created us. They may change through the years, but there is always something for us to do to sparkle in our own sphere and draw others to Jesus.
Action Step:
Today’s action step is to identify the good works God has you doing or what you could/should be doing on behalf of His kingdom. It doesn’t have to seem “big” to you – every good work is important in God’s Kingdom. We can sparkle in whatever role He has for us!
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Prayer:
Dear God, Show us the blessing of the good works You have prepared for us to do. Direct us in how You have equipped us to sparkle for you while serving others in our communities. Help us to see our good works as blessings from You and not just work to be done. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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