Wednesday - "Word and Deed"

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT2): “For 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.”

We often hear that we are supposed to do "good things" with our life? Unfortunately, the word "good" is highly subjective. Does that mean that we are supposed to be kind to people...treat them well...take care of their needs? Could it mean more than that?

I think today's passage talks specifically about living out our lives in two ways:

1) Do Good With our Actions: As Christ-followers, every thing that we do is watched. I know that a little scary, but it's true. People that don't know anything about Jesus are watching how you handle yourself, how you deal with crisis, how you treat others, how you take care of your body, etc. Each of our actions should directly reflect what Christ modeled for us and told us in His Word. Even though we might tell people that we are living for God, it is our actions that convince them.

2) Do Good With our Words: The way to "do the good things" through our words is directly related to the condition of our hearts. I have heard it said that "what is down in the well comes up in the bucket." I believe that is true. What we have in our hearts is reflected in how we communicate with others. If we harbor resentment, bitterness, or anger, we will unleash that on others. However, if we want to do the good that Christ has told us to do we should focus on this verse:

Philippians 4:8 "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

Each day, our word choices are evidence of the condition of our hearts and our minds. Doing good with our words starts by focusing on God-honoring things.

If we want to do the good things that God has planned for us...we need to live lives that honor Him in word AND deed.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian