MASTERPIECE IN THE MAKING

“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else; but God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for those of us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by His grace when you believed. You can’t take credit for this. It is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:1-10 NLT


How much of Jesus do you want? I want it all. The Lord and I have had this conversation many times. What motivates that discussion? Usually me getting in over my head or finding myself in a situation I feel threatened by or unable to handle. Just being honest. It seems, that for me at least, I am motivated in times that I realize I'm not making the grade. When I say that, I'm not referring to good works, but I am saying it in reference to how my life needs to look different than it used to. If I were given over to my old nature, life would look a lot different. Even now, I find myself with old tendencies that creep in. It's in those moments I must take an inventory and realize I still have some of me that needs to die so that Christ can be completely manifested in my life. If I am raised with Christ from death, something in me has had to die as well. I think our resurrection in Christ is an ongoing process. Salvation is the first step and only takes belief. The second, third, fourth, and every step beyond that takes place as I realize there are still areas in my life that are controlled by my flesh. I am still sinning when I choose to disobey God because of an incorrect attitude or denial to conform to His image. I believe this is why He is rich in mercy and love toward us. I am in the process of being refined as God brings life from death in all parts of my life. So, how much do I want? I want it all. This is why I continue the race. If I am to sit in Heavenly places with Christ through His death and resurrection, I want to be changed each time I see new mercies over any part of my life. He deserves it all and I deserve death. He paid the price and penalty for me to have the place He prepared for me. His life reveals what mine should look like if I am His heir. As an heir of Christ, I want to represent the name I have been given well. I always tell my children "Remember who you are." That means to represent the values of our family.

How much of Jesus do you want? Do you find yourself struggling with your old sinful nature? Are you willing to identify the areas you struggle in and surrender them to God?