Scripture and the Reformation: Good Work

Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing. ~ Ephesians 2:7-10 (The Message)

God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does. ~ Martin Luther

It is surely an exercise of faith for us to see Christ in each other. ~ Dorothy Day


What do Martin Luther, Protestant Reformer, and Dorothy Day, Catholic social activist, have in common?

That maybe God's making and saving of the world - God's creation of us by the love of Christ - is meant for more than simply an assent or belief. 

That the good work of God is meant to engender good work in us.

 That we are created for good work.

 For love of neighbor.

 And that it is only through a loving, active faith that we see the other as those who need God's good work and ours.

 That it is through an engendered faith that good work springs!

 Paul cautioned for us not to get too proud of ourselves for our good work because it didn't come from us.

 It comes from God. It's what we were created for. It is our purpose.

 Good work is the natural outcome of a faith that has the spark of Christ.

 Who are we? We are children created in love to in turn love and serve our neighbor.

 Because our neighbor needs us.
Martin Luther Prayer:
Almighty and eternal God, we pray that you would uphold us through the right knowledge of your divine Word through your Holy Spirit. Grant us peace and health as we do the work of our callings with your blessing; through your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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