“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” Eph. 2:10 (NKJV)
This verse of scripture follows the well known verses Eph. 2:8-9 (salvation by grace and not by works). Verse 10 says, “we are His workmanship…” The word used here for workmanship is not used to imply a mechanical type piece of equipment but rather a work of art such as poetry, art, or a symphony. It refers to a display of worth rather than functional achievement.
We are a product of God’s character that reflects His attributes on display in human form. The fruits of the Spirit are the display God intended for us to exhibit.
“…created for good works.” Good works are ordained by God to follow our “new creation experience.” Works are not a performance to give us better standing with God. God does not love and accept us based on our works. He accepts us based on Jesus’ work. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, God reconciles us to Himself. We are then His possession. Good works follow our acceptance of Christ. We are different. We act different. We live different. This is not a change to impress God but a change made possible by the likeness of Christ that we embrace at salvation. We believe in Christ to become Christians. Our behavior reflects our belief. This does not lead to perfect behavior but a “perfect attitude of love” toward God and others. Thus fulfilling the instructions, “be ye perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect…” We become perfect, not in performance but in attitude. It becomes important to us to do the will of God, even though we will persist in less than perfect behavior.
Since we are created for good works, let us submit to our Creator and live up to what we are made for. Good works do not make us more godly. They reflect our true understanding of who we are after becoming one with Jesus Christ. Think about it—the more we understand our relationship with God through Jesus Christ the more our behavior becomes the “good works” we are created to exhibit. Our life is not lived to impress God but to reflect Him to the world around us.