Walking outside the Will

For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 HCSB

Identity has always been a hard lesson for me. As a younger man, I was drawn to money, attention, and confirmation from “others” to feel good about myself. These habits escalated into self absorption, deceit, and mockery of others, when the good comments or approval ran out. The problem with this life style is you never reach that “enough” feeling. One comment or praise led to the next, then one action or bad habit grew into another, and before long, I found myself constantly searching and yearning for the next piece of approval or praise to find assurance in.

These habits of self-praise and self-affirmation & seeking the approval of others, have been very hard to break free from. Often, the breaking powers needed to remove and tear down idols is still needed for me, much more than I often acknowledge.

Catch this verse from Ephesians: “For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.”

It has been difficult for me to find the paths that God has prepared ahead of time. In fact, some times it feels dang near impossible to see Him or the way in which He loves for me to walk. Yet today, just like yesterday, just like tomorrow, we are HIS CREATION. We, you and I, them, they, us, are created in Christ Jesus for good works. Created for good works SO THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM. Walking in the works God has planned for us is just as tough as breaking down those identity idols. Participating in His plan is the OTHER HALF of the battle. What good am I if I continue to walk by my own will despite His plans being available?

It leads to failure and fault and let downs. I just went through it last weekend, when I was reminded this morning by my more than graceful wife. She explained the faults and failures that I have refused to see, or ignored to see is more like it. Thank God for her. Thank God for all of you. We need each other in Christ to point out the dark spots in our lives that we fail to recognize. We need one another to build up, encourage, love, forgive, and lean on. THIS WALK WITH CHRIST IS NOT TO BE DONE ALONE.

Yes, there is time for self reflection and separating ourselves alone with God but this CANNOT be our go-to habit. We, I, must be ready to submit to the wisdom and direction of God, and when I’m not there I need my wife or friends to steer me back to His will. I know it stinks to admit but it’s true. NO MAN WALKS ALONE in life with Christ. Do whatever you need to do to get with a brother or sister in Christ, a spouse, a co-worker, or family member… let them know your need for their presence in your life and GIVE THE SAME PRESENCE back to them! SO THAT YOU MAY WALK IN HIS GOOD WORKS PLANNED FOR YOU!

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