“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
Scripture reading: James 2:14-26
God’s salvation is not only about our eternal destiny, it is also about our present reality. It is easy in the midst of the trials of this life and the burden of growing older, to merely be thinking and dwelling on the life that is to come. We should, after all, have a heavenly mindedness. However, God calls us in this life, to live a life of godliness and good works. The Christian life is to be one characterized by a desire to grow more and more Christ-like. But we must not forget that this isn’t something we work on our own. We are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus…” In Jesus Christ, all things are new.
Parents seek to teach their children good habits. The power of habit is powerful. The picture given in Ephesians 2:10 deals with our manner of walking. By faith we walk. Hebrews 11 gives us the example of saints that have gone before us. To live by faith is to live in reliance upon God. After all, we are his workmanship. He has redeemed us for a purpose. On the one hand God’s purpose in us can be simply understood as a whole life redeemed in Christ. On the other hand, God has special and particular purposes for us unto godliness. Seek that out through prayer and wisdom.
Suggestions for prayer
Ask God to help you balance a heavenly and an earthly mindedness. Thank God for granting your life purpose in Christ.
Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
