journey onWord with us

I am in the process of reading a new book. It is challenging me about … me! Life on earth is finite, and I (like you) want to live it to the max. In light of my desire, I have always been fascinated by the words of Soren Kierkegaard, “Now, with God’s help, I shall become myself.” Another insightful and thoughtful comment can be found in John Ortberg’s wonderful book, “The Life You’ve Always Wanted.” He states that, “I am called to be the person God had in mind when he originally designed me.” Those statements are thought-provoking, but are they also true? Do you believe that Creator is really concerned about your unique design, and ultimate purpose? What would God’s design for you and me look like anyway?

Far from robotic followers, our Father has built us to be unique and diverse. If you are in Christ, I believe there is a you that God wants you to be. I’m not sure how much He cares about the distinctions of bearded or clean-shaven, short or tall, green or blue-eyed, Caucasian or Asian. But He definitely cares about the role He wants us to play for His kingdom. And, therefore, we are challenged to surrender our wills to His and learn to live in His freedom. I can say with confidence that He wants us to be Spirit-filled, others-centered, and willing to live outside our comfort zone for His purpose. But how do we begin to approach what He has in mind for us? Let’s take two verses as a starting point.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

It is important to understand that these verses are speaking about individuals who have accepted the gift of salvation through faith. You have turned from darkness to light and now are secure in Christ. Note that we are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” An evidence of your relationship with Christ is the good works that follow. Becoming the you of God’s design will certainly include fruit from your relationship. Imperfect, but forgiven, we have a role to play as ambassadors of Christ. God’s design for you was settled long before there was a you. He knows each of us intimately and has a specific and unique plan for us to fulfill. Can you believe with me that the plan is His, and our submitted lives and resulting good works honor Him?

As I “become myself”, there will be a sense that God is working in me for His good purpose. And the energy to accomplish this purpose will come only from Him. Many true followers get caught up in trying to “act according to his good purpose,” without growing in their faith. Seek and submit to Him daily, and rest in the assurance that He will work in and through you. And when our Father is working in our lives, there is energy and His results.

In Christ, you and I are unique, gifted, and built for His mission. If you really believe that you are called to be the person God had in mind when He originally designed you, then you must believe that God is on your side in directing you to good works, and His good purpose. As you move through 2016, be excited that the true and living God has some work for you to do. Eternal work!

I am challenged about me, and you are, no doubt, wanting to be the best you. Our real quest, however, should be accepting His design and being who He wants us to be. Embrace it!