God has placed it on my heart to spend some time reading Ephesians. Paul was writing to the church at Ephesus to discuss God’s intentions for the people and the church. Many times in my life I have wondered: “Why am I here? Am I good enough? Am I doing enough? Am I living up to my full potential? Am I worthy of the calling I have been given? What is my calling?”. My husband says, “Too many mind.”, from “The Last Samurai”, because my brain never seems to turn off. Ephesians brought me some hope after a tough year, reminding me of my purpose as more of a spiritual mission than a physical one, much like Paul’s writing as encouragement and direction to the church in Ephesus.
The first thing Paul was trying to get across to the people of Ephesus was that they were chosen “members together as one body, sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3.6), to be unified as the body of Christ. Chosen by God.
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will -- to the praise of his glorious grace which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1.4-8
Because he loved us so much, God chose us before the creation of the world, to be his sons and daughters through the death of Jesus Christ. He sent Jesus to die on a cross, for our sins, to be a sacrifice for all the horrible things we were ever going to do and all the unholy ways we were going to live. He chose Jesus’ death to bridge the gap between our sin and heaven because God wanted us to be there with him, and we couldn’t do that for ourselves. We were separate from Christ, without hope, and without God in the world (Ephesians 2.12).
“But now in Christ you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2.13
We were slaves to our sin, but purchased through the death of Jesus, and adopted into the family of God so we could spend eternity with him in heaven. We have no hope of doing it ourselves. Because there’s not enough “good” we can do to save us without Jesus.
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on your new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 3.22-24
Anyone who accepts Christ into their hearts becomes a part of this body of believers and takes on a new self. We have a new identity in Christ, but also one that we can share with other believers as one body. Because we hear the truth, and believe in Christ, we are stamped with a seal saying that we are God’s possessions, and that he will use us for his glory (Ephesians 1.11-14). We can walk alongside other believers and see how we can be used as individuals and in unity.
In John 15.16 Jesus was speaking to the disciples and said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” Jesus chose the disciples. He chose a motley, unqualified, crew to go and spread the news of the gospel. They were chosen, beyond all of their flaws to serve a purpose. God also chose us for a purpose. The tricky part is whether or not we choose him to fill us up with the Spirit, and go out and live out our purpose. The word choose is a verb. An action word. Something we have to actively, not passively, do. We have to be in that constant, evolving, relationship with him on a daily basis. We don’t just choose him the day we repent and ask Jesus into our hearts and lives. We have to continuously choose him by dying to ourselves daily, giving up what we want for what he wants. Which is incredibly hard. It is hard to give up what I want. It is also hard for the control freak me, to realize that I even need God as desperately as I do.
I think back to the way I lived my life before I realized that I really NEEDED God. Sure, I have been a Christian most of my life, but there was a time where I definitely lost sight of him and his plans for my life. I was a slave to my sin and my desires. What I wanted.
“You were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of the world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts..”. Ephesians 2.1-3
We as humans ALL lose sight of God, and struggle with our desires in the world. Pastors, sunday school teachers, deacons, worship leaders, EVERYONE. Satan is in the world, and he is going to do everything he can to keep you disobedient. Before I surrendered me to Jesus, I was a slave to my sin. It was heavy, depressing, and tied me down. It made me feel unworthy, worthless, the complete opposite of a child of God. But when I found Jesus, and really started living for him, I became absolutely alive. I found freedom in him.
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2.4
HALLELUJAH THANK YOU JESUS.
I don’t forget my salvation story, but I often forget that nothing I can do or have done keeps me saved. I am not going to lie. I work day in and day out to earn love. My husband’s, God’s, my family. I like to feel fulfilled. Like I “earned it”. So I will bust my tush earning that love. I will wake up, walk the dog, make coffee, work from home, do laundry, clean dishes, go to the grocery store, workout, make dinner, and read my bible, before I consider it a day well done. It is exhausting. I have to often remind myself like God’s grace, I don’t have to do anything to earn the love I receive from anyone.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast. 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. 8-10
To be a Christian, you have to let go of who you are, and look to what you can become in Christ...Free. When you CHOOSE, active word, this new freedom in Christ, he can begin molding you for your purpose.
The thing I love about Paul, is how humble he became. Before Paul was referred to as Paul, he was known as Saul the Pharisee. He was so wrapped up in his “Jewishness” and following all the “correct” laws to live as a Pharisee, he was appalled that a man would go around claiming he was God, perfect for that matter. He encouraged the persecution of Jesus, and succeeded in the persecution of Christians, before he became one. Crazy right? God used a man that did such horrible things, to become one who established churches and preached the gospel. Paul writes, “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Ephesians 3.7-8. If God could use a man like that to fulfill a purpose, he sure can use me or you!
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4.22-24
When you humble yourself enough to realize you need God, you can’t keep living and doing all the things you did before. You strip away your old self and former way of life, and take that new attitude that lives for Christ, and become a new you. Really a new you. Which means you could get a new calling in life that’s not all about you, but all about God.
I myself always thought I would find my fame and glory in something musical. I have been singing all of my life, so I naturally thought that’s what God called me to do. The ONLY thing I thought I was supposed to do. I realized that God can make you good at things, but that thing or a few things, may not be ALL God called you to. Sometimes what you are good at is used for a bigger picture than you can even see. I still love singing, and the opportunity to serve God in that capacity when I can. That is just not all I can do. I have realized I am also good at serving, loving, teaching, and sharing my story of how God is using me for good.
“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up..” Ephesians 4.11-12
It is hard to know what we are supposed to become or do with our lives. Ultimately as a Christian it should all revolve back to him, not us. Whatever you’re good at, whatever your spiritual strengths may be, if you’re using them in the right way, it will be so people around you can see the Spirit of Christ in you. We shouldn’t serve and live for ourselves to feel good. It is to make God look good. When a body of believers uses their gifts and talents collectively to serve God, we build each other up and further his kingdom. Not everyone will be at a big church, or be performing on a huge stage, or be a best selling author, or become a missionary, but God still has a plan and purpose for you. I encourage you to pray about your purpose, and that God may open your eyes and ears to reveal it to you.
“Live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit -- just as you were called to one hope when you were called -- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4.1-6
“Tell the story of the mountains you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else’s survival guide.” - Morgan Harper Nichols.
Right now, I am called to be a teacher. I am called to love my students. I am called to share my experiences to try and help others. I am called to share my struggles to show how God made a way and transformed my life. I am imperfect, and yet called to serve God anyways. I am called to be a part of a body of believers and lift them up. I am chosen and created for a purpose. So are you.
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