Last week I was privileged to travel with my family to another church in the area to speak as part of their summer series of Bible lessons.  They are working through a study of Ephesians and I was asked to speak about Ephesians 2:10 –

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (ESV)

The verse was given to me months before the date of the speaking engagement, so I really had a good chance to think about it and consider it.  I’m sure everyone else has already figured this out, but in preparing for this lesson I realized I have been misunderstanding this scripture.

Before really considering this text, I had always taken the term ‘created’ as being a reference to the fact that we were created as good people to do good things.  When I really got to looking at the context and the original meaning of the word that is translated ‘created’ I found out I was mistaken.

This verse is written to Christians and is about Christians.  A more accurate translation might use the word ‘transformed’ or ‘reshaped’ in Christ Jesus for good works.  Those outside of Christ haven’t been transformed for this purpose.  There are lots of people who aren’t Christians who are doing good things, but Christians especially are created for good works and to be changed people who are committed to doing good for others constantly.

We obviously aren’t going to fulfill that role perfectly all the time, but we can sure give it our very best effort.  And it is best to start at home and with the people we are the most familiar with.  Too often I find myself giving my best energies and efforts outside the home and I need to make sure to keep a good reserve for the people I love the most and am responsible for.

This week the Dinnertime Devotional series continues in the detailed exploration of the life of Joseph.  Enjoy… Dinnertime Devotionals 25