For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

   - Ephesians 2.10

Observe the forms and beauties of sensible things, and comprehend the Word of God in them. If you do so, the truth will reveal to you in all such things only he who made them, outside of whom you have nothing to contemplate, for he himself is all things.

   - Eriugena, Homily on John 1.1-14, Irish, 9th century

Why have we been redeemed by our Lord Jesus Christ? For good works. Why did He die and rise again so that we might be forgiven and live? So that we might take up good works, and thus bear witness to our heavenly Father, Who is all goodness, beauty, and truth.

But how can we know which works are good, and which, therefore, we ought to pursue? Three ways.

First, by studying and reflecting on the good works of our Lord Jesus Christ – His mercy, kindness, and sacrificial ways (Acts 10.38).

Second, by meditating on the Law of God, and thinking through its application to our everyday lives. The Law is holy and righteous and good (Rom. 7.12); we should expect, therefore, that it will guide us in those good works prepared beforehand for us.

Finally, we may begin to discern what is good by studying the creation itself. Though, like everything, the creation has been touched by the fall, still, there is enough of the original goodness of God in creation to allow us to discern what God expects of us (Gen. 1.31). We may discover in the creation examples of beauty, efficiency, community, and practical wisdom (think: Proverbs). Thus we may expect the study and contemplation of creation to suggest many ways that we, too, might reflect the goodness of God in our daily lives.

We have been created for good works, and those good works will certainly differ from the dead works we habitually did while we were yet in our sins. But knowing which good works to embrace, and how to live them out, does not come automatically. Instead, we must give ourselves diligently to the task of understanding our calling and taking it up with focus and diligence in every situation of our lives.

To which good works, that bear witness to Him, is our heavenly Father calling you this day?

Psalm 15.1, 2 (Arlington: “This Is the Day the Lord Has Made”)
Lord, who may dwell within Your tent, or on Your holy hill?
All those who keep Your covenant and walk within Your will.

All thy who with integrity work peace and righteousness,
Forever in God’s house shall be forgiven, kept, and blessed.

Teach me to know You, Lord, as I see You at work in creation and hear You speaking in Your Word. Adapted from Columbanus, Sermon I

T. M. Moore, Principal
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