Ephesians 2:10 reframes the Christian life, showing salvation as God’s creative work that produces obedience—not more work. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

“For we are His workmanship” means your life is God’s art project, not mindless hard labor, but more like shaping a statue—something purposeful.

Workmanship pictures a craftsman or artist shaping something—like a whittler carving wood day after day until it becomes a polished, useful piece of beauty. God works patiently in His people so they reflect Him.

“Created in Christ Jesus for good works” teaches that new life produces new action. Salvation is not earned by works, but it never leaves you lame or passive either.

Like a branch connected to a vine, life flows first—and fruit follows. Remember: works don’t save, but they reveal the fruit of your belief.

“Which God prepared beforehand” means obedience is not random or accidental. God planned a path of faith-filled living before you ever took a step.

Scripture does not require that each good work be individually predetermined, but it does show that the direction and purpose of your life are ordered by God.

“That we should walk in them” shows that the Christian life is lived progressively, not instantly. God works through His people as they walk with Him daily.

Paul mentions this walk and the former walk in darkness, giving us a picture of transformation. Once in sin, you are now alive in Christ and able to follow Him faithfully.

Christian Retirement Planning for Fathers: Christian retirement isn’t about coasting—it’s about preparing to serve generously for the long haul. When you steward your finances well now, you free yourself to keep walking in the good works God has prepared for you.

When the Credits Roll – How to Start Better Conversations with Your Kids: Movie night doesn’t have to end when the credits roll. In this episode, Lawson and I share a simple way to turn family movie night into a conversation that actually sticks.

Martin Luther: “God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does.”

So what do you do next? Stop striving to prove yourself, and start walking faithfully where God has placed you. Receive your identity in Him instead of in other, lesser things—before rushing into more busyness.

Trust that God is already at work. Over the coming days, choose obedience in the seemingly small, ordinary moments—listening and engaging with your kids, being present at home, and not thinking about work. Show grace to your family, and you’ll be pointing them to the Giver of Grace.

Kent Evans
Author of Don’t Bench Yourself, co-founder of Manhood Journey

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