Ephesians 2:10
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
Verses 9 and 10 both speak about works. Verse 9 says that our salvation is in no way connected to our works. Once that's clear verse 10 speaks about where good works fit in our lives.
Our lives become so full of His blessing that they spill out on to others through good works. They are evidenced in all parts of our lives. If the path of an ant is followed, we see it intersect with many other ants. So it is with us. We have our schedules in which we seek to complete. In doing so we connect with others. Sometimes the interaction is pleasant, sometimes not. Our task is to be loving and patient.
2 Corinthians 2:15 says, "For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." When the orange is squeezed, it not only emits juice, but the sweet fragrance of the orange. We all emit a fragrance when we are under pressure. It could be anger or the uncovering of selfish motives. As christians we are to demonstrate Christ's character.
Galatians 5:17-23 provides a list of the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. The two lists are quite different: "For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doingwhatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." The fruit of the Spirit is the fragrance of Christ. These are the good works we've been created for.
Do we always do it right? No. At times we will be selfish or angry. Then we will fall under conviction of sin and we apologize. This demonstrates humility which is the fragrance of Christ. God's good works prevail.
We commit ourselves to Him at the start of our day and watch Him work. It's a holy adventure. As we follow Him our lives are blessed. We rarely look back with regrets.
Most want to leave their mark. That's fine, we all want to be remembered well. It can be more selfish. In time I saw the futility of that. The Book of Ecclesiastes speaks of that vanity. Casting Crowns has a lyric in one of their songs that has resonated with me. It goes like this, "I don't want to leave a legacy. I don't care if they remember me. Only Jesus." All the selfishness leaks out. He is so good we lose the drive to be first.
He gives us so much purpose and satisfaction as we walk with Him. These good works He involves us with give us such joy. It's such a privilege to be yoked together with Him.
Lord, thank You for the good works You've prepared for us. You are so wise and loving. You seek to bless us and the world by them.