⁸God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. ⁹Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. ¹⁰For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 2:8-10

When I was teaching school, there were some questions that came up every year, with every class of students. One in particular regarded good deeds. Where does good behavior come in to play for a believer in Jesus? If our good deeds don’t save us, why do I worry about my behavior?

The question always reminded me of Paul’s letter to Rome where he addresses the same question:

²⁰God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. ¹Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? ²Of course not! 

Romans 5:20; 6:1-2

From Paul’s letter to Ephesus, I clearly see:

. . . . my salvation is a gift from God.

It is not…

. . . . a reward for good behavior.

If my good behavior doesn’t save me,

my bad behavior is not what condemns me.

But…

We are created with the hardwiring to add beauty, value and purpose to the places we inhabit.

These are the good things God created in advance for us to do!

The BEST thing we can do, according to Jesus, is believe in him!

²⁸They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?”²⁹Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”

John 6:28-29

My prayer is that this sets you up for a wonderful weekend filled with intentional good deeds that don’t save you, but are a fulfillment of all God planned for you from long ago!