The two types of "works" you should know • Deshen Daily

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph. 2:8-10 NAS)

One of the misconceptions about grace today is that our works do not matter. That’s not true. The misconception comes in because many do not know that there are two types of works the scriptures teach us about. The scripture above gives us an excellent presentation of both types. The first is seen in the phrase “not as a result of works”. This kind of works is called “works of the law”. These are things we DO by ourselves in an attempt to be justified or earn God’s favor. God has commanded us to cease from these dead works.

The second type of works is called good works. God has actually created us for these good works. These are the things we DO, not to earn something from God but to show forth what God has already created us to be. You live holy not to make God love you more BUT because God has created you in His holiness to show forth His glory. Good works are God works through us, for His glory. They are the works of grace, and not of the law. You have been created for good works. It matters to God what you do, so let your light so shine before men that they might see your good works and glorify the Father.

MEDITATE

Read the scripture above again and meditate on it. What kind of work are you involved in?

PRAY

Ask the Father to make you a full expression of His works. Also, pray that God will deliver you from the works of the law-struggling hard of yourself to please God.

ACT ON THE WORD

God made you for good works. Your works matter. In the letter to the 7 churches in Revelations 2-3, Jesus repeatedly said to each of those churches ” I know your works”. Believing must go with acting. In good works, you are not acting to become, you are acting because you are. You have been created in righteousness, that is why you live righteously. God’s love is in your heart, that is why it is normal for you to love and not hate people. God’s grace is inside you that is why you are gracious to people and not judgmental and harsh. You are God’s masterpiece, so go ahead and exhibit His handiwork!

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