Tag: Righteousness

Saved for a Purpose – Ephesians 2:8–10

Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV) – “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.”

This passage is carefully structured to make one central point clear. We are saved by faith, not by works. Our own behavior, no matter how well intentioned, cannot earn salvation. Scripture is blunt about that elsewhere, comparing our righteousness to filthy garments in Isaiah. If salvation depended on our performance, every one of us would fall short. Paul removes that possibility entirely. Salvation is a gift, given by grace.

At the same time, Paul does not dismiss good works. He places them in the right order. We are not saved by good works, but we are created for them. God has plans, prepared ahead of time, for how his people should live and serve. That distinction matters. Good works are not the entrance requirement. They are the result of a life already changed by grace.

This passage is a strong reminder for me. I do not do good things to earn God’s favor. I do them because God has already shown me grace and has intentionally placed opportunities in front of me. That means I should be paying attention. God created me for this purpose, and I need to be more focused on recognizing and stepping into the good works he has already prepared.

What God Likes – Amos 5:21–24

Key Verse:
“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” — Amos 5:24 (NIV)

God’s words through Amos are uncomfortable by design. Something was fundamentally wrong. Israel’s worship had become performative. They honored God publicly while privately allowing idols, injustice, and divided loyalties to take root. God makes it clear: religious activity, no matter how sincere it looks, cannot substitute for faithfulness, justice, and wholehearted devotion.

This passage reminds us that God is not impressed by outward displays if they are disconnected from inward allegiance. What He desires most is a people who place Him first, live justly, and walk in righteousness as a natural overflow of a genuine relationship with Him. Worship that pleases God is not loud or visible by necessity.  It is faithful, obedient, and aligned with His character.

For me, this lands close to home. It is easy to confuse spiritual activity with spiritual intimacy. God is calling me back to the quiet places.  He calls me to be still, seek His face deliberately, fast privately, read His Word not for appearance or output, but for communion. Justice, righteousness, and loyalty to God begin there, in the unseen places where no one else is watching.

Today’s call is simple, but not easy.  Pursue God Himself, not just the actions that look like devotion. When that happens, justice and righteousness will follow—not as performance, but as fruit.