Instead, we are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives.
Reflection
We’ve been reflecting on purpose throughout this series. We often think about purpose as something highly individualized, like a fingerprint – defined by unique interests, gifts, and experiences that are given us by our Creator.
But this scripture also reminds us that in the broadest sense, all of us who follow Jesus have the same purpose – to do good in the world. If that’s the case, it stands in contrast to the way most of us in the United States are taught to think about purpose. Often we’re taught, implicitly or explicitly, that our purpose is to amass wealth and achieve success for ourselves. Ephesians 2:10 is a reminder that we are defined by more than what we earn, what we produce, or what we profit.
Instead, we are defined by the good we contribute to the world. Have we seen to the needs of others, and not just our own? Have we helped educate a child? Have we enabled another to feel safe and loved? Have we helped heal a wound, or bring peace between enemies? To discover our purpose is to shift our focus from ourselves to others. It means serving a broader community – of family & friends, church, workplace, school, neighborhood, state, nation and world.
In living out our purpose in this way, we follow the path Jesus has set before us – the path of love, service, and sacrifice. This is precisely the way God always planned for us to live.
by Joe Monahan
For Pondering and Prayer
Consider how you might be able to live out the good works God has prepared for you. Are there talents, passions, or gifts that you haven’t fully explored? Is there a nudge from the Holy Spirit guiding you in a particular direction, perhaps toward serving a particular group of people? Trust that God’s plans for you are good and that your giftedness and God’s provision are more than enough.
Prayer: Loving God, we thank you for creating us with purpose and for preparing good works for us to do. Help us to trust in your Spirit for guidance in all things. Give us the courage to step out in faith and the wisdom to recognize your work and calling in our lives. May our lives bring glory to you and reflect your love in the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.