Good Works
READ
There's a tension many of us feel when we think about faith and works. On one hand, we know we can't earn God's love—it's a gift, pure grace. On the other hand, we sense that our faith should produce something tangible, something real. So which is it? Are we saved by grace or called to good works? Paul's answer in Ephesians 2:8-10 is beautifully simple: yes.
Let’s take a moment to read Ephesians 2:8-10:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
REFLECT
Let those words sink in for a moment. Your salvation has nothing to do with your performance. You didn't earn it, you can't lose it, and you don't have to prove you deserve it. Grace is freely given. This is crucial because so many of us live with a nagging sense that we're not doing enough. We compare ourselves to others who seem more devoted, more disciplined, more productive in their faith. We wonder if God is disappointed in us. But Paul eliminates any room for that kind of anxiety. Grace is a gift. You receive it through faith—simply trusting that what God says is true. There's no leaderboard, no competition, no spiritual scorecard.
And notice why: "so that no one may boast." God designed salvation this way intentionally. If we could earn it, we'd divide into those who made it and those who didn't, those who were good enough and those who fell short. We'd spend our energy comparing and competing rather than loving and serving. Grace levels the playing field completely. We're all beggars telling other beggars where to find bread.
Here's where it gets exciting: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." You are God's workmanship—His masterpiece, His poetry, His creative work. And you weren't created just to exist; you were created with purpose, for good works.
Notice the order. You're not doing good works to become God's workmanship. You do good works because you already are His workmanship. The expression of grace is good works. When you truly grasp how loved and valued you are, when you let grace sink deep into your identity, something organic happens. You start looking around for ways to express that grace to others.
But here's what really changes everything: these good works were "prepared beforehand." God isn't making this up as He goes. He saw you, knew you, understood your unique blend of gifts, passions, and experiences, and He already carved out meaningful work that has your name on it. There's needed work in this world that only you can do in quite the way you'd do it.
So what does good work actually look like? First, good work is needed work. It addresses real problems and meets genuine needs in your family, workplace, neighborhood, or church. It's not just busy-work or activity for activity's sake. It matters.
Second, good work requires good character. You can't sustain meaningful impact without integrity, faithfulness, kindness, and courage. Character is the foundation that makes our work trustworthy and lasting. Skills might get you started, but character keeps you going and makes your work truly valuable.
Third, good work produces good fruit. It creates transformation—in your own life, in relationships, in your community. Good fruit points people beyond themselves to something greater, something more lasting, something worth building a life around.
So here's the question worth sitting with: Is your church, your family, your workplace better because you're here? Not in an arrogant way, but in an honest assessment. Are you bringing grace, character, and needed contribution to the spaces you occupy? When people watch you, what do they witness?
These questions aren't meant to burden you but to awaken you. You have been saved by grace, created as a masterpiece, and positioned exactly where you are for good works that God prepared in advance. You don't have to manufacture purpose or force your way into significance. You simply need to walk in what's already been laid out before you. The invitation is to receive grace fully and then express it freely. To let yourself be loved so completely that love naturally spills out into everything you do. To recognize that the same God who saved you also has meaningful work for you—work that will stretch you, fulfill you, and make the world around you better.
RESPOND
Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.
How do you struggle with the balance between "saved by grace" and "created for good works"? Where do you tend to lean too far in one direction?
What good work do you sense God has prepared for you—something needed that matches your unique gifts and opportunities?
When you honestly ask, "Is my community better because I'm here?" what comes to mind? What would help you contribute more meaningfully?
REST
Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:
Father, thank You that I don't have to earn Your love—it's a gift I simply receive. Help me rest in that grace so deeply that it overflows naturally into good works. Open my eyes to the meaningful work You've already prepared for me, and give me the character and courage to walk faithfully in it. May my life be a testimony to Your grace and a blessing to those around me. Amen.