Free From Performance

Today’s reading is out of Ephesians 2:8-10. Begin today’s devotion by reading this passage in your Bible.

Have you ever wanted God to do something, or give you something, so badly that you decided to run a quick spiritual inventory upon yourself, and ended up creating a “do better” list? You know the list. It sounds something like “I’m going to pray more, give more, serve more, read my Bible more, go to church more,” etc. More and more and more–it can become guilt-driven and exhausting. But in God’s Kingdom, more is not the answer. Jesus is the answer. And the grace that He has for us is not based upon what I do for Him, but what He has done for me!

The author of Ephesians knew this better than so many of us. Paul was first introduced in the Biblical narrative as Saul – the super-religious guy who persecuted the church by approving the arrest and killings of Christians in the early Church. His life changed when he stopped striving for “religion,” and experienced the grace and love of Jesus Christ. That is the freedom we can receive every single day.

While you read this passage today, remember that the person who penned these words was one who learned that there is not enough work, talent, performance, or deed to equal the freedom found in the grace of Christ Jesus. Read this passage again and answer the following questions.

Ephesians 2:8-10 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Reflect

1. There are quite a few powerful statements in these two verses. Which statement speaks to you the most? Why?
2. What does it mean to be saved by grace through faith? Is faith something that comes naturally to you, or is it something that takes more effort?
3. Paul, the author of Ephesians, writes that this grace is not received by works. Why do you think grace must be received freely and not earned?
4. This passage ends with the encouragement that we are God’s handiwork and there is a purpose for our lives. How does grace play a role in the purpose of your life?

Act

Is there an area of your life in which you need God’s grace? Take some time today to slow down and ask God to reveal the reality of His grace to you.

Pray

Lord, I thank You that You love me just as I am, where I am, and how I am. It is in that love that I find Your extraordinary grace. Teach me to experience that grace, that love, and that freedom daily this week. Amen.