Eph 2:10 (AMPC) “For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].”
Why Wired For Glory?
You’re recreated in Christ Jesus. Someone might say, “But God created everything, so everyone is his workmanship.” That’s not what Apostle Paul meant here. In the first creation in the book of Genesis, yes God created all things but man fell and was disconnected from God. Paul’s emphasis was on a special creation (2 Corin 5:17) —a recreation in Christ Jesus—those of us who are born again are a new creation. Put another way, we were rewired for His glory.
For instance, if a derailed individual goes on a rampage and desecrates one of Michelangelo's artistic works on display. It will take a long time for any artistic genius to restore the masterpiece to its original glory and beauty. We were marred or disfigured by satan in the garden of Eden.
God the Mastercraftman recreated us when we repent of our sins and accepted Jesus as our Saviour and Lord. We became born again.
Then Paul tells us the purpose of this new birth: that we may do those good works which God predestined and planned beforehand for us, taking the paths which He prepared ahead of time, that we (those who are now born again or recreated ones or rewired ones) should walk in them. No longer living the way we used to live but a new and living way that brings glory to God. Rom 6:4 says “… we might walk in the newness of life”. That is, called to live lives that are holy.
As a new recreated being (created in Christ Jesus for good works), we must be zealous for good work. Titus 2:14 ““who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” NKJV
Quite often, many in Christendom think that being rewired or recreated is to enjoy the good things of this life (that might be true because as God’s children we ought to enjoy life), we are recreated to bring glory to God and also to make disciples. Anything outside of that is a cult thus negating the so-called prosperity gospel.
We are not only God’s workmanship created (recreated or rewired - 2 Corin 5:17) in Christ Jesus for good works .. (Eph 2:10), we are also recreated or rewired for His good pleasure (Phil 2:13).
How do we bring pleasure to God?
These are two ways that we can bring pleasure to God—by worshiping Him and loving others. This is similar to what Jesus says the greatest commandment is in Matthew 22:36-40. He sums it up by telling us to love God and love others. We love God by worshiping Him and praising Him. We love others by doing good to them and sharing with them.
This is who we are as a Church: By Reflecting the love and power of our Lord Jesus, we are bringing healing to the hurting around us. This must be our lifestyle.
I encourage you to spend time each day in Scripture and prayer, praising God for who He is. The more you do that, the more you will fall in love with God and our Lord Jesus Chrsit. If we don’t love God first and foremost, we won’t be able to truly love other people in our lives.
I know that it has been a challenging period for the Church especially during the last year/early this year. But God has been faithful and has given us the power to contend and overcome, especially with the issues with our roof.
As we move into a new and exciting season in the life of our Church I encourage you to redouble your effort in glorifying God and grow the Church.
Your Friend,
Ps. Tony Ojamiren