What traits do you expect to see in an artist? Creativity, passion, attention to detail, total intentional focus? Being fully invested in what they make? Do you know that I was an artist when I created you? For you are fearfully and wonderfully made; more so than any human creation on earth. All the positive qualities of an artist were present in this process. You see the beauty of the world I have made in scenic vistas of grandeur, and you are correct to respond in awe and wonder, giving glory and gratitude to the artist who created it. But do you know that you are my masterpiece?

Do you have a sense of urgency for the things you do? You are usually more effective with focused attention than with a lax approach. Are you at peace? You have my promise that this is available to you. Do you see a conflict between these things? Many people have a flawed understanding of peace. It is not lethargy or slothfulness. It is consistent with sharp focus and diligent effort. Haven’t you found that anxiety prevents you from this approach rather than facilitating it? You can have peace, and effective effort, even in difficult situations.

Have you read in my word that Abraham believed God and he was righteous? That isn’t exactly what it says. It says that Abraham believed God and it was imputed to him as righteousness. You may recall the story of Abraham and Sarah and Pharaoh. It was not an act of moral courage for Abraham to pass off his wife as his sister to save himself. Yet I accepted him on the basis of his belief and so began  the concept of imputed righteousness by faith which is a strong theme throughout the Bible.

Do you know any believers for whom good works have a bad name? You know that you are not saved by good works; that your salvation is the free gift of God by grace. Once you have this premise settled in your heart, can you accept that good works are not bad? Once you know that you are not trying to earn your salvation, can you see the value in putting forth effort to make the world a better place? In this case you are working from a position of security rather than trying to obtain it. You have some free time that you can use for any reason you choose.