Expectations!

If I walked into the shop of a furniture maker, I would not expect to look at furniture which boasted, “Look at me. Be impressed with me for what I can do.” I might be impressed with how functional the furniture was, but my compliment would go to the builder and designer for his wonderful WORKMANSHIP. Before the hammer or saw ever came into contact with any part of the furniture, the designer already had a specific function in mind. As far as the furniture itself (whether it be a roll top desk, a cabinet, or a chair) I would merely expect it to serve the function for which it was made. There would be no room for any boast on the part of the furniture as if it had made itself or decided on its own purpose. Therefore, for it to fulfill any purpose less than that for which it was made to serve would simply not be acceptable.

Though we are more than a piece of furniture that might get shoved around in a house, there is still a parallel as to how we must regard our lives. It is far too easy for us to become so focused on ourselves and what we are doing that we lose perspective of what our life is to truly be all about.

Paul exhorted…
“(8) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, (9) not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (10) For WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” ( Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV)

Being involved in good works is what we are to do. The works are a natural expectation. However, our works do not save us. They don’t even give us room to boast. Any boasting on our part is to be with regard to our Lord. (note 1 Corinthians 1:31 ) As God’s WORKMANSHIP, we were created (or recreated) in Christ to fulfill a particular function which God had in mind beforehand. Since His works are what we were made suitable for, to be anything less would be unacceptable. May our lives impress upon others the reality of there being a Master Craftsman behind us.

Have a great day NATURALLY SERVING GOD’S INTENDED PURPOSES!
Carl

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