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

Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)

 

While the idea of doing good works may not seem radical today, it was somewhat controversial during the time of the Apostle Paul. The Roman Empire was built and maintained by slaves, and the recognition of human dignity and purpose was incredibly uncommon. However, the coming of Christianity brought genuine societal change with the introduction of all people were created in the image of God, and thus all human beings, whether masters or slaves, were deserving of love, respect, and honour.

Though slavery did not disappear immediately, both Christian masters and slaves discovered a deeper awareness of their worth, personhood, and potential in Christ. Christian slaves were instructed to serve sincerely and wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, rather than just their earthly masters (Ephesians 6:5-8). Similarly, Christian masters were instructed about how to treat slaves as if they were the Lord (Ephesians 6:9). In other words, the gospel radically changes the way they perceive work and identity and the relationship between work and divine purpose.

In creating us in His image, God has bestowed on us the opportunity and possibility to work together with Him. We worship and serve God, not as slaves but as sons and daughters in the house. Knowing who we are and have in Christ gives meaning to our life, work, and relationships. This keeps us from stress and burnout because we are living according to our true selves in Christ rather than who the world wants us to be or who we want to be ourselves.