Go and Do
"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)
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic we were asked to "shelter in place." Businesses were shut down, schools closed, events cancelled, church gatherings limited to online services. Each day we listened as our government leaders encouraged us to stay safe and stay home. I talked with many people who were struggling with "church" being closed. The result for many was to insulate themselves from the outside world in order to protect themselves from the Covid-19 virus. I understand that way of thinking. We should all continue to take the necessary precautions (masks in public, social distancing, washing hands, etc.) and be wise.
But I have been reminded during these challenging days that the church is not a building. Immanuel may meet at 3100 Tates Creek Rd and 2261 Armstrong Mill Rd. But our church is made up of thousands of image bearers of the King of Kings; and whether there is a global pandemic or not, we are not closed. Read Ephesians 2:10 again: "We are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” That means the God of the universe created you, and He created you to do good in this world.
So look around your life and your world. Where can God use you? I believe one of the challenges of this verse is for us to "Go and Do." God is always at work around us. He is simply looking for those who would take up His mantle and respond to the challenge of His Word and join Him in that work. How can you minister to your neighbors? What local business can you bless? Who do you need to have a gospel conversation with?
Take some time today and pray. Pray that God would show you where He is at work around you. Pray that you would simply join Him in His work. Thank Him for creating you uniquely.
Have a great day in Christ.
By David Howard
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic we were asked to "shelter in place." Businesses were shut down, schools closed, events cancelled, church gatherings limited to online services. Each day we listened as our government leaders encouraged us to stay safe and stay home. I talked with many people who were struggling with "church" being closed. The result for many was to insulate themselves from the outside world in order to protect themselves from the Covid-19 virus. I understand that way of thinking. We should all continue to take the necessary precautions (masks in public, social distancing, washing hands, etc.) and be wise.
But I have been reminded during these challenging days that the church is not a building. Immanuel may meet at 3100 Tates Creek Rd and 2261 Armstrong Mill Rd. But our church is made up of thousands of image bearers of the King of Kings; and whether there is a global pandemic or not, we are not closed. Read Ephesians 2:10 again: "We are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” That means the God of the universe created you, and He created you to do good in this world.
So look around your life and your world. Where can God use you? I believe one of the challenges of this verse is for us to "Go and Do." God is always at work around us. He is simply looking for those who would take up His mantle and respond to the challenge of His Word and join Him in that work. How can you minister to your neighbors? What local business can you bless? Who do you need to have a gospel conversation with?
Take some time today and pray. Pray that God would show you where He is at work around you. Pray that you would simply join Him in His work. Thank Him for creating you uniquely.
Have a great day in Christ.
By David Howard
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