For we are his workmanship,created in Christ Jesus for good works,which God prepared beforehand,that we should walk in them.Ephesians 2:10, ESV
In the motivational speaking and preaching that is popular nowadays we are commonly encouraged to fulfill our potential. To try something new. To do this, that, and the other. And then, to offer it up to the glory of God. This verse of Scripture should really get us thinking and keep us grounded every time some new idea comes to us about how to get ahead, to make ourselves more qualified in the world of business, entertainment or formal church ministry. And it's certainly not a good idea to attempt to just 'enjoy life' by designing our own adventures. We need to let this verse make us pause for prayer and instruction even when we earnestly want to do something good for God because we are told that there are...
specific works,
specifically prepared by God beforehand,
specifically intended for us to accomplish.
Maybe what you and I have had planned is a time-waster in light of eternity, a detour from what He has been expecting to have us accomplish from 'eternity past.' It doesn't seem to be so much a matter of planning how to serve and please God, but to seek out what He has already planned and please Him by giving ourselves to accomplish them.
Could we expect to stand boldly before Him at the judgment of believers and declare something like,
'Lord, I didn't bother to seek Your plans out or follow through with Your plans (for whatever reason), but here's what good stuff I accomplished instead. It's just as good, though it's not what You wanted from me.' I don't think so.
specific works,
specifically prepared by God beforehand,
specifically intended for us to accomplish.
Maybe what you and I have had planned is a time-waster in light of eternity, a detour from what He has been expecting to have us accomplish from 'eternity past.' It doesn't seem to be so much a matter of planning how to serve and please God, but to seek out what He has already planned and please Him by giving ourselves to accomplish them.
Could we expect to stand boldly before Him at the judgment of believers and declare something like,
'Lord, I didn't bother to seek Your plans out or follow through with Your plans (for whatever reason), but here's what good stuff I accomplished instead. It's just as good, though it's not what You wanted from me.' I don't think so.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
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