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. Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)
We are created for good works (vs. 10). Our good works do not gain us salvation. Only faith in the Good work of Jesus on the cross can do that. But we have been designed to do something. Something good. And we should walk in those good works.
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. Ephesians 2:13-16 (ESV)
God designed us to take action, but He didn’t design us to do it alone. He put us together. The body of Christ. Made one body through the cross.
We were separated from God by an uncrossable chasm. The blood of Christ laid down a bridge that brought us near. Jesus laid Himself down across the chasm, uniting Jew and Gentile in the church. The Church that Jesus alone is the head of the body. We are one body. Made to support one another as we take action in the mission that God has designed specifically for each of us.
Satan is the author of division and disunity. He seeks to tear the body apart. Setting it at war against itself. Brother against brother. Sister criticizing and tearing down sister.
Ever felt like you don’t quite fit in? Like you are a stranger in a strange land? No more.
Now you belong. I belong.
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)
We are designed as a beautiful, interconnected dwelling for God Himself. His temple. His Spirit living in us and working through us.
My pastor is always saying that the local church is the hope of the world. Whether the local church or the online tribe of believers or your small group, there is something wonderful that happens when you are a part of the body of Christ. It is life-giving. Through the encouragement and support of other believers, we have the confidence to take action. Together we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Action Step: If you are still living like you are separated, take a moment right now and reach out to one other believer. Take a risk and start building community. Even just a community of two. If you are already living an active life in the body of Christ, take a moment and encourage someone you know who is taking action to follow God. Send them a note, text, or call. Let them know that you are cheering them on. Be an agent of change to bring more unity to the body of Christ, just like God designed it to be – one body.
God, thank you for your perfect design. Thank you that I don’t have to do life alone. That you have designed me for good works and created a support system for me if I will just utilize. Help me to reach out and connect with the rest of the body of Christ. Help me to offer support to and lean on the encouragement of others. In Jesus’ name, amen.