YOUR RACE CAR

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Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

What It Is Speaking to Me

Ever used the wrong tool on a job? A screwdriver as a hammer? A hammer as a screwdriver? (Not even sure how you would do that...) How well does it work? Now flip it. Right tool for the job? Completely different.

In a way, this verse is describing that very thing. Paul is describing us as a certain kind of tool that was made for a certain kind of job. We were created by Christ Jesus through his saving grace to do good works. Christians are literally designed for good works. It is what we do now. It is our new default. That is very encouraging to me for a couple of reasons.

One, it should make good works less intimidating. Sometimes new Christians feel intimidated entering this new world of Christianity. They feel like their sinful past disqualifies them from future good works. Paul rejects that notion, writing "not a result of works." Works can't save you, and past works don't disqualify you. Salvation means a new creation, and that new creation is DESIGNED for good works. You aren't set up to fail; you are designed to succeed.

Secondly, we are designed to fit our race. We are like an F1 car, which is designed for the kind of tracks it races on. An F1 car on a bumpy brick road in an old European town traveling at 10mph would be ridiculous. What a waste. The car doesn't fit the road.

God's design is perfect. However he designed you, he designed you for the road you are meant to race on. That is awesome, isn't it? Everyone's race may look a little different, and every car isn't the same. So there is no reason to be jealous of someone else's car, because that car isn't designed for your race. YOU were perfectly designed for YOUR race. Hallelujah.

What else is there to say? Let's get on the road!

What Is It Saying to You?

• How are you designed for good works?

• Do you know some of the works you are designed for?

• Do you ever wish for a different design? Why or why not?

What Are We Going to Do About It?

Identify one "good work" opportunity that will cross your path today and pursue it.