...Which God Prepared in Advance

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 NIV)

This verse has always been a bit confusing to me. Does it mean we were created to do good works in general...that God prepared many good works for all of us to do? Or does it mean that God created us to do good works created specifically for each of us?

I know people who really seem to have found their niche as far as good works. It really does seem like what the are doing so well must have been created for them to do. For instance: John and Relay For Life; C.J. and prison ministry; Janice who is so good at visiting and otherwise caring for those who are sick, grieving or home bound; Gerry and TEC; Karen and middle schoolers; Donna and Project Matthew. And there are many others whose names just seem synonymous with their good works.

So what about those who haven't found their specific good works yet? Did God pass us by, or were we too occupied by worldly things and missed the opportunity when it was presented to us? I think that most of us do a lot of good works, but it just seems such a way of life that we don't count them as such. And just because our name is not synonymous with a specific action does not mean we are not busy in God's kingdom.

I checked several translations of this verse and all of them left that same question in my mind...except for the CEV translation, which put it this way: God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That’s why he sent Christ to make us what we are. (Ephesians 2:10 CEV)

I think, if we really try to live as we know God wants us to live, we will more easily see the opportunities to do good works. Our hearts will be more easily moved to compassion and a willingness to bear the burdens of others. Specific or not, there is much work to be done... Healing, helping, teaching, providing, loving, giving.

Don't look for that "specific" good work. If it is there for you, it will find you. Just live as God intended, with a pliable heart and you will see opportunities to do good everywhere.

But, understand...good works are not your ticket to heaven! Jesus bought that ticket for you about 2000 years ago and it can't be taken away from you. God just knew that we would want to express our love and gratitude and in so doing become the light that leads others to Christ...and so God planned for us to do good things...and has made a wide variety for us to choose from.

Father,
Open our eyes and hearts to the opportunities to do good that you will make available to us today. Amen.

Joys: a trip to the mall with Cecelia and totally spoiling her (even more than usual!); having Kevin around a little more than usual this weekend; signs of Spring