Walking in the Good Works

You know, there’s this verse in Ephesians 2:10 that says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we should walk in them.” That makes you think, doesn't it?

We’re an amazing result of God’s creativity! Just think about our unique talents and quirks that make us the persons we are. Perhaps also consider that even the hairs on our head are numbered and placed exactly where they belong. Every little detail about us points to just how deep God’s purpose for every one of us runs. For all persons discerning or wayfaring or a special destiny awaits. It would be shameful not to lay hold of it.

So, let's keep it real, sin can really mess things up. It clouds our vision, adds extra weight to our lives, and distances us from God’s original plan. The good news is that in Christ Jesus, we get a fresh start. We must trust God who knows the end from the beginning and who also knows how to work with us to reach His expected end. Truth be told, we were created for daily encounters with Jesus hence: give us this day our daily bread, take up the cross daily and follow me, He daily bears our burdens, and so much more will daily encounters bring. 

Sometimes, the struggle we have in our faith walk is the very sin we harbor. Talk to God about it. He will help you to scale that hurdle of unbelief.  He is your safe place. You can leave every unbelief and every baggage at the foot of the cross where Jesus paid the price for your redemption. To trifle with sin only leads down the rabbit hole of distraction, frustration, and disillusionment - the Bible calls it the way that seemeth right and it leads to destruction. To make it clear, that is eternal separation from God. I don't wish this on anybody neither does God. 

Now is the time to rise and shine. Remember that God has a calling for you with your name on it. Let us shine His light through our good works to our communities everywhere. Our world needs the light we carry.  Whatever may have been in the way of following an amazing and rewarding pathway, today is the day to rise and shine above and past those things. Shake them off!  God is not a respecter of persons and his saves to the uttermost all who come to Him in repentance. Here and now is the opportunity to choose Jesus and leave that sin and shame behind; choose the way of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Now also, consider that even if you ever thought of yourself as "good," it’s worth noting something Jesus said: "Only God is good." That is truly profound, I would say. I still remember when at seven years old I accepted Jesus into my life; I felt release from a burden I didn’t even know I had. Most people would have said I was a good child at that age and I would have thought so myself but that’s the tricky thing about sin.  Sometimes, you don’t even notice how heavy it is until you finally decide to let it go.

Honestly, we’ve all messed up and fallen short of God’s glory. However, things do not have to remain this way because through God's love and grace, Jesus went to the cross just to bring us back to God. And what's more? There’s nothing we could’ve done to earn that grace— it is a gift. So, let me encourage you to accept that gift today. Just think about it—a new beginning, a fresh start! You can call on Jesus, ask for His forgiveness, and invite Him into your life and make that decision to follow Him with all your heart.

For all of us who believe, whether you’re new to this or have been around for a while, our journey is really one of faith. As you exercise your faith, you will find that His grace is sufficient to keep you from a life of sin and empower you for the good works you have been called to walk in. So, if you’ve decided to follow Jesus today, that’s amazing!  I pray you keep growing in His grace daily and together, let us be bold to do the work of Him who sent us.

A few verses to think about:
Matthew 10: 30; Luke 9: 23; Psalm 69:19; Proverbs 14:12; Mark 10:18; Romans 3: 23; Romans 6: 23; 2 Corinthians 5:17