Made in His Image: Crafted for Good Works
Today's Scripture
Ephesians 2:6-10
Today's Insights
The creation account in Genesis says that "God created mankind in his own image" (1:27). Ephesians 2:10 also declares that "we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Jesus set the example for us during His earthly ministry by doing "many good works from the Father" (John 10:32). Peter elaborates and says: "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, . . . he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him" (Acts 10:38). As believers in Christ, the Spirit will provide the opportunities and empowerment to follow in Jesus' footsteps and do good works. The fruit of the Spirit's work in us is "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).
Today's Devotional
Have you ever experienced that quiet sense of joy that comes from an unexpected act of kindness?
I was hurrying to work one morning when I noticed a card fall from the pocket of a father walking with his young daughter. My first instinct was to keep walking—surely they would notice it was missing. But something prompted me to stop, pick up the small rectangle of plastic, and chase after them. When I caught up and handed them what turned out to be their prepaid bus pass, their faces lit up with gratitude. Their reaction left me with an inexplicable warmth that lingered throughout my day.
Scientists tell us this feeling isn't just coincidence. Our Creator designed our bodies to release endorphins—natural mood elevators—when we perform acts of kindness. We're literally wired to feel good when we do good! This beautiful design reveals something profound about our purpose.
Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, "We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This verse isn't merely instructing us to perform random acts of kindness—it's revealing our fundamental nature as image-bearers of a generous God. When we extend ourselves in service to others, we're functioning exactly as our Maker intended.
The beauty of this truth is that it doesn't require grand gestures or heroic sacrifices. That small moment with the bus pass—a thirty-second detour in my day—aligned perfectly with God's design for human flourishing. Each time we choose kindness over indifference, patience over irritation, or generosity over self-protection, we're stepping into the fullness of our created purpose.
Today, look for those divine appointments—the seemingly insignificant opportunities to reflect God's goodness. They might appear as simple as holding a door, offering an encouraging word, or taking a moment to truly listen. In these small acts, we discover not only the joy of blessing others but also the satisfaction of living according to our divine design.
Prophetic Significance
In these increasingly disconnected times, the calling to do good works carries profound prophetic weight. As society grows more isolated behind digital screens and artificial experiences, genuine acts of kindness stand as powerful testimonies of God's kingdom breaking into our fractured world.
The Apostle Paul wrote Ephesians during his imprisonment—a time when the early church faced intense persecution and social marginalization. His emphasis on believers being created for good works wasn't just pastoral encouragement; it was a prophetic declaration that God's people would be known by their countercultural compassion in a world marked by selfishness and cruelty.
Today's social landscape bears striking similarities. In a culture that increasingly values self-fulfillment over sacrifice, the simple act of putting others first becomes a prophetic statement. Each good work—whether feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, or simply showing patience in frustrating circumstances—serves as a visible manifestation of God's coming kingdom where justice, mercy, and love will fully reign.
These acts of kindness are not merely sentimental gestures but spiritual signposts pointing to the restoration Christ will bring at His return. When we serve others as "God's handiwork," we participate in His prophetic timeline—demonstrating in the present what will one day be fully realized when all things are made new.
Reflect & Pray
Who needs a helping hand or an encouraging word today? What kind word or simple gesture can you extend to a friend, colleague, or neighbor?
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me with purpose and intention. Open my eyes to see the opportunities You've prepared for me to do good in this world. Help me to recognize that even the smallest acts of kindness reflect Your character and fulfill Your design for my life. May I be quick to respond to the nudges of Your Spirit, bringing Your light to others through simple acts of love. In Jesus' name, amen.