“We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
“The defiled and unbelieving… profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may… [have] nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be… well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of… Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” Titus 1:15-2:14
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Salvation imparted is a stamp of identity and expectation. Salvation received is salvation expressed. The Lord makes clear that those who know Him are to show forth His beauties and character. His children living by faith must be zealous in good works that reflect His graces and power. He calls, equips, and commands that our knowledge accords with godliness by eager employment of His gifting and purpose to build up the Body and bring Him glory. (Titus 1:1)
“I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:17
It is healthy to assess how well our actions and attitudes match our profession. We may be in the habit of separating Sunday belief from weekday practice, cordoning off any infringement on long-ingrained habits and preferences and self-will. We tout that we know God, yet fail to give evidence to His Spirit’s presence in speech, viewpoint, and behavior. (Matthew 7:21; 1 John 2:4-6)
“It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13
The better we know God’s attributes, the deeper our love for Him grows in us, and it will by nature blossom in Christ-like desire and makeup. Our actions and interactions give evidence of how well we know Him. In what ways is Christ reflected in choices made and daily living? What portion of ourselves, our time and resources, do we offer for His service? How do we reflect His love, compassion, generosity, patience, and truth to those around us at home and work?
Lord, may my life and works show forth Your excellencies, to Your glory.
As the rain and snow 