“being” versus “doing”…. (devo reflection)

Ephesians 2:4-5 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 

I struggle with the idea of “being” versus “doing.” In my mind, my worth is often tied up in what I’m able to do. But Ephesians 2:4-5 reminds me that God’s great love, His mercy, His grace alone saved me. Nothing I did, nothing I could do, nothing I am (except a deeply, fiercely loved child of God), nothing saved me. Only God.

Ephesians 2:6-7 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 

Verses 8-9 remind me again that I am incapable of saving myself. God’s grace alone saved me. Yet still I struggle, feeling like my worth is tied up in my *doing* and not solely in my *being.* To sit, to breathe, to think “I am enough simply because I am His” feels wrong.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. 

Lord, Thank You for Your fierce, merciful love. Thank You for my salvation, which can only come from You. Help me to understand that You have work prepared in advance for me to do–not so that I can earn Your love or my salvation, but because I love You. My *being* is enough for You. My *doing* is my gift to You. Help me never to forget the difference. Amen.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Have a blessed day. I love you.