Ephesians 2:10 AMPC
[10] For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]
As you listen to or watch the news, on one hand, you find news about technology and AI, the innovative, transformative and sometimes dangerous abilities, and on the other hand, you find nations stockpiling weapons of mass destruction and preparing for war. In the scheme of life, you can almost think you are a pawn in the hands of other people. In these times, we need to be reminded of who we are, who we belong to, and where we are headed. How do you define 'workmanship'? It is 'the degree of skill with which a product is made or a job done'. It is interesting that we usually lay out the cost of products for a job, and there is usually a cost that cannot be determined by anyone else but the person who will do the job. That is the cost of the skill that you want to depend on, in order to achieve something that you know you cannot achieve by yourself.
Reflect on this: I was made to work, among many other reasons. The great God, who calls things into existence simply by speaking, has chosen to call me into work. He defines me as a reflection of His identity and nature, and asks me to join Him in what He wants to do and achieve on earth. I am that reflection of the unique skill of God, with no other person like me in all the earth. Genes may make me look like you physically, but purpose gives me my unique personality and perspective. I am given my own fingerprints, which will not be replicated again. In the spiritual too, all who are called will work in God's vineyard, but my portion of the work will be different to yours. Why would I let a fellow worker's opinion drive my pursuits and priorities?
There is a secret, hidden part of the work that nobody sees. However, the results cannot be contested. In my hands, a tennis racquet or tennis ball will be just for relaxation; the same materials in the hands of a man like Roger Federer has opened several international doors and wealth too. We see this in the life of the man inspired to write this letter. My past has nothing to do with my future, as long as I hand over that life to God. I cannot afford to let the past or present define the future. There is no template on earth that can fully explain what God can do through me. Like the potter and the clay, I cannot know more than the One who formed me. He will not make me and then not have an eternal plan for me. May I not be content with anything less than God's best. God's time of favour is here.
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