Good morning. I have been rather startled by a TV ad that is appearing lately. After they show their ad (I really couldn’t tell you what product is involved) they close with the statement: “Because, when your internet works, your life works.” Wow! I never realized it was that easy! All that I need to do to make my life “work” is have the proper internet connection!
Obviously, I am being a bit sarcastic. I can’t imagine a person so foolish that they would accept the line from that ad. We all realize that there is quite a bit more involved in having our life “work” than having the right internet service (or whatever they are advertising).
As Christians we know that the key to having our life work properly lies in our relationship with God through the presence of the Holy Spirit and the love of our Savior, Jesus. One brief statement pointing to that truth is this: So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 This verse is telling us that in all things, whether we consider them of great importance or think of them as mundane and ordinary, we are to do everything with God’s glory in mind. I would say that when we live to reveal the glory of God, having our life work is a natural consequence.
Another verse that has always been one that spoke clearly to me is found in Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.The word translated “workmanship” is one usually used to describe the efforts of an artist or master craftsman. The following sentence tells us the “medium” in which the artist/craftsman works, and that medium is Christ Jesus. For instance, if we were speaking of Michelangelo and his masterpiece sculpture of David, we would identify the artist (Michelangelo), the art form (sculpture), and the medium (marble). We would say of some master cabinet makers that their medium is fine wood. We are, each and every one of us, a masterpiece of God. We are created first as human beings, but then we are re-created as God would have us be, using the spiritual “substance” of Jesus Christ as the medium for His creative effort. However, we are not a work of art to hang on the wall to be admired. We are created for greater purpose, to do the work of God in accordance with his will. The verse above tells us that we are created to accomplish “good works,” and that the master plan of those good works has been laid out by God well in advance. When God’s people live properly, when our lives are properly “working,” we reflect the glory of God and the beauty of Christ Jesus. That is a life that works!
For some of us having our life “work” may be defined each day by our physical health. It is hard for us to imagine a life that is working when it is physically impaired by pain and dysfunction. But is that actually the case? We read in Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.The limitations of the flesh are very real and often seem to get in the way of our plans, and may even define our day. I don’t think this passage is diminishing those realities, but it is telling us that there is more. There is more to our life, and certainly more to having our life “work,” than physical ability or our health in any given moment. Even when our physical health may be failing, God remains our strength and our portion. His love and presence are far more vital to our well-being, and certainly more powerful in making our life work each day.
Finally, I would share this from Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. We may begin each new day determined to see to it that our day functions properly, that all goes well, and that for this day…our life is going to “work!” That is fine, but never forget that it is the purpose of the Lord within your day that will truly stand, will truly define, will truly make this day one that works for you.
God bless your day. As we look to the Lord for the revelation of His will for us today, we can be certain that He will make all things work for our good, because He loves us and we love Him. (Romans 8:28)
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