Our way of life

I read a verse this morning with which I was very familiar, have known for decades, but in a different translation than I usually read.

It is Ephesians 2:10.  The translation I am accustomed to is, "For we were created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which He prepared in advance for us to do." 

In that translation, it's all about the good deeds that we do.  

But in the NRSV, the verse reads like this:

"For we are what He has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life." 

Our way of life. Wow!  To me that takes on a whole new meaning.  

I've written many times here in this blog and in my books that God's main aim in saving us is to then form the image of Christ in us.  Out of that relationship and transformation, we do good works for Him, from His Spirit in us.

I think there is a huge difference between seeing "good works" as individual items that we check off our to do list, and letting Jesus live His life through us as our very way of living each moment.

Maybe this is news to you, maybe not.

But even if you realize that it's not about "good works" per se, but letting Christ have full sway in us, how many of us actually live that way?

A "good works" checklist is much easier to maintain.  Fed the poor.  Tithed my income. Was nice to my neighbor.  Held the door open for a stranger.  Visited those in jail.  Contributed to worthy charities. Went to church.

See where I'm going with this?

These are easier to "keep" because they are quantifiable, they are one-and-done, so to speak.

However, when we allow God to reign in our hearts and minds in all that we do, say, and think, that's a whole new ballgame!

How so? It's not as checklist-y.

It is much more difficult in that sense because we do not see the fruit of it in this life necessarily.

Actually, I take that back.  It is not difficult.  It is impossible.

Remember Jesus' own words, "With man it is impossible.  But with God all things are possible." 

Why would Jesus say those words?  Because He also says, "Apart from Me, you can do nothing."

So, where does that leave us?

Totally and absolutely 100% dependent on God.

Dependent on Him to do any good works at all!  Dependent on Him to be good at all!  Dependent on Him to accomplish the way of life that He "prepared for us beforehand."

Phew.  To me this is a huge relief!  Why?  Because it is not up to me to keep up with some impossible to do list of good works.  The onus is on Him and His power at work in me to not only do, but be, all He intends me to do and be.

Our job is to surrender and realize how totally dependent we must be on Him in order to live a life that is worthy of Him.  

That may sound easier.  Ha!  Try it!  

How long can you stay surrendered in any given moment?  When your pride is pricked.  When that person who annoys you has gone too far this time.  When forgiving him or her yet again is simply wearing you out.  When your emotions scream to rule over you.  When you want your own will over His.  When you feel jealousy.

And the list goes on, friends!

This "to do" list feels quite different from the one-and-done checklist.

It requires many daily deaths to self, as Paul said.  It is indeed a way of life and not simply a quantifiable "deed."  It is instead the ongoing work of Christ in us.  It never ends!  We cannot check "living like Christ" off of our to do list!

My words are challenging, I know.  None of us has "arrived," nor will we this side of heaven.  And that can prick your pride.  

Remember the example Jesus gave us when He spoke of the two men.  The Pharisee bragged about how he tithed and fasted (checklist), but the tax collector beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner."  (helpless apart from God's saving grace). See Luke 18:10-14.

Which one are you?  Which one do you want to be?  Which one is "easier"?  Which one are you able to do in your own strength, or able to be only with God's help? 

Realizing our unworthiness before God is not to shame us.  It is to draw us to Christ in total gratitude that He saves us by His grace and makes us worthy to be in His Presence; that He deems to live in us by His Holy Spirit so that we can have our way of life be all-encompassed by His Presence, power, and love in us.  

The choice is ours.  A checklist life (good works done out of obligation in our own strength or out of pride), or a surrendered-to-Christ life (allowing Him to do His work in our hearts to become more like Him).

Dear Lord. The fact that You, the one true living God, lower Yourself to live in our hearts is beyond comprehension.  Yet when we are born again, that is exactly what You do - take up residence in our hearts. Out of that rebirth, we are moved to live out our life as You did - loving and serving others by depending on You to love and serve through us. Yes, we take action.  But only as led by Your Spirit in us.  Thank You, Lord, that we can honor You not only in word and deed, but with our total way of life.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.