Good Works are a Gift for Sanctification
Good works sound no more appealing than responsibility, but there’s more than a subtle difference. That good works are a gift for sanctification doesn’t mean you earn brownie points with God for serving at a soup kitchen or sorting donated clothes for a community closet.
Such things ease others’ distress, but what is as important is this: The good works God has planned for you since before you were conceived use and develop all the talents and propensities he built into you. Consistency in those good works eventually molds your character to resemble His.

How does this happen?

Remember, responsibility gives us chances to mimic God’s trustworthiness. We can display more of His characteristics. Because we do these good works in the company of our fellow human beings, we face the petulant, the critical, the cruel, and the manipulative.

These folks’ agendas for you serve their purposes first. Believers need prayer, the Holy Spirit’s guidance, discernment and wisdom. Then we’ll react with generosity, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and the fruits of the Spirit instead of following their lead. It’s very hard work. Sometimes wisdom counsels to leave the situation. Providentially, prayer is effective even when we are out of the reach of manipulators.

One other thing:

It may appear that the good works which are a gift for sanctification aren’t at all directly connected to your perceived calling. There’s a good chance that they’re equipping you with background, skills, and experience you’ll find useful later. Don’t slack off.

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If you’ve ever been curious about Heidi’s fiction, there are links to short stories and an anthology on this page.