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
In these times of troubles and trials it is good to be reminded that first of all, if you have named the name of Jesus you are His. You are not an orphan trying to figure out life on your own. You belong to Him. Really, truly without a doubt–whether you feel like it or not, you have a place in His family. You are important to His family. You are included in His family. You have a Father who listens, responds and cares. These are facts.
But as a member of that family we also have responsibilities. The good news is that we are created to do good works, not to earn our salvation, but to show forth the glory of our God. His love, His joy, His peace to a desperate world. It is time we allowed Him to work deep in our hearts. It is time where we truly allow our Savior to be Lord in our life. The tools God uses in shaping our lives are not always enjoyable, comfortable or seemingly to our benefit. It calls for us to trust His love, mercy and purpose even more.
If we are His workmanship, then He has the right to mold, shape and change us as He will. The Greek word is poiema and it means masterpiece, poem or work of art. God is making us into His masterpiece. Remember He has a plan for each of our lives. This masterpiece he is working has a purpose. That purpose is for good works. Not so we can earn our salvation, but so He can show us off to the world! I don’t know about you, but hatred, prejudice, lawlessness, pride or envy are not very beautiful. These are things that are the works of the flesh that need to go.
We look at what is happening in the United States today and we see how the actions of one man doing the wrong thing has affected our whole country. His actions have put every other police officer in jeopardy. His actions have tainted the works of those police officers who are caring, sharing and go above an beyond in their duty. It is the same when a Christ-follower falls into sin. Our sinful attitudes affect all As clay in the potter’s hand, we must submit to His working in our lives. He has many tools in His toolbox that He uses. The Word, of course, is His main tool. As we seek to apply its truths to our lives, it begins the work of conforming us into His image. Through His Word and His Spirit working in us we are enabled to do the good works He has called us to do. Not all have learned to rest in the Potter’s Hand. Many think their ways are better.
I have watched potters work with clay. They, like silversmiths, remove the impurities which would mar the finished work. It isn’t easy to admit to these flaws and allow Him to lovingly remove them. The tools He uses are not always easy. Tests, trials and suffering are not enjoyable, but they are part of life. As we allow Him to use them to conform us into His image then we begin to understand how He works all things together for His good. This world needs to see God’s workmanship displayed. How He does it while we are still a work in progress I don’t know. All I know is that He that has begun a good work in us desires to complete it. Remembering that He is not only Savior but Lord isn’t always easy. At times I have wanted to jump off the potter’s wheel and do my own thing. But I always go back to the understanding that if He created me, then He knows me better than I know myself. I have found a resting spot on the Potter’s wheel. I truly want to be a vessel He can use–when He wants to use it. The flaw of pride pops up and once again I humble myself and say with our Lord, “not my will, but your will be done”.
There is nothing like being used by Him–completing those good works for His glory–whether big or small, they are important. Allow His conforming work to take place. Paul says, follow me as I follow Christ. Be an example of the believer today in this hurting world. Love your neighbor. Be patient, longsuffering, gentle, kind and peaceful with those who are different than you. If you find it difficult–climb back on the Potter’s wheel and let Him work!
Faith Encounters 