34

Since we are redeemed by grace alone, through Christ alone, must we still do good works and obey God's Word?
Yes, because Christ, having redeemed us by his blood, also renews us by his Spirit; so that our lives may show love and gratitude to God; so that we may be assured of our faith by the fruits; and so that by our godly behavior others may be won to Christ. (1 Peter 2:9-12) (from here)

Lord Jesus, you saved us that we might make something of our lives. You could not be more loving or more good and generous. You could not have done more for us. What you did was unthinkably, unimaginably, breathtakingly, heartbreakingly kind. A deed so beautiful it illuminated all history.

We submit to you because in an instant you won our hearts. And it is so good living as you tell us to live. There could not be a better Master or Dad.

You change us. You are more than the best human ruler - you are God Almighty, and having won us, you change us. We are obedient when it hurts; we do things we never would have done before. For now we know you. And if we sometimes doubt our faith, we have these changes to assure us that it is real.

May we never grow weary in doing good. May we fight for it, fight with your Spirit. May there be nothing in our lives that says you are not good or you are not strong. May it be our greatest privilege and joy to follow you. May our changed character be a source of great assurance. May people be saved as they look on our good, hope-filled lives.