“God always uses unworthy instruments so we can never think that it is we who are accomplishing the work.” The older I get, the more I think, “God, you were so patient with me! I didn’t do it right and you still did it right, you still used me.”
– Richard Rohr (Franciscan Priest/Author)
You are God’s work in progress. God is pleased with us when we take steps out of our comfort zone and strive for growth. This obedience in progressing to be more Christ-like is ongoing. He will always have more for us to do. He will perfect you by the day Jesus returns.
Paul shares of his confidence that each of us will be complete the day Christ returns. His confidence in us today is that we will follow the path illuminated by our faith in Christ and the steadfast focus on the “good work” planted in us by others. A daily process where you want to grow each day to be like Christ. To be a disciple it takes patience and discipline. This life of a Christian is not to be done alone. It requires our effort but must include support and guidance of others to make our joy complete.
“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”
– Philippians 1:3-6 (NRSV)
All of us at one time or another have had to assemble something – furniture, a bicycle, a small engine, a model or perhaps a puzzle.
What happens when you get to the end and realize this thing you put together is very unstable or perhaps it won’t start at all or it is missing pieces? It is painfully obvious that something is missing, and it is not quite complete.
Did you bother to read or follow the instruction manual? Did you miss some important steps? Did you forget to include some of the parts?
We may not successfully complete the task the first time. As we practice with repetition, diligence, and intentionality we improve. Soon we are assembling and building things faster and better.
Paul reminded Timothy to stay on course and lean on all the learnings and experiences to continue to grow in godliness for the work is never finished. The urgency of his message was to focus on the diligent work of Christ and grow your faith. Keep reading the scriptures, keep preaching the gospel and keep teaching others. This was for the saving benefit of oneself and others. The key is fitting all of the pieces together so that each one depends on another.
“Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
– 1 Timothy 4: 15-16 (NRSV)
As Christians we need to realize that we are not yet fully assembled into what God has in store for us. We are what I would call a “WIP” (Work in Process). Assembly still required.
From my past career in food manufacturing of seasonings/gravies, the WIP would be partially finished goods awaiting final packaging. This WIP has much more value than just raw ingredients alone since it had been precisely blended. We have these unique gifts which are our important ingredients blended into our WIP. Jesus’ plan is to assemble us with other WIPs to be transformed into the finished product – the United Body of Christ.
Just this past week we reopened the doors to AUMC with in-person worship. As compared to pre-COVID19 pandemic, one might consider the sparse attendance underwhelming. The deceitful spirits (or the bleak news stories) will say “things will never be the same again.” Closing the doors of a church is quite easy. Reopening is rather difficult especially with the focus on doing no harm and loving others; therefore church looks and feels different. It is much like starting something new from the beginning, mapping out all that is needed and where all the pieces fit. Be patient. We are a work in process.
During the time the church building was closed we had teams of AUMCers focused on the details of reopening. We went back to our foundation and worked on some nuances to help us open. Every aspect of our church has undergone some type of transformation. Who is to say that this could be for the better or not? The entire leadership and teams tasked with reopening worked with the hope in mind that Paul spoke of so frequently. “We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain.” Hebrews 6:19 (NRSV)
The book of Hebrews speaks of maturing as we grow in faith. This maturing only happens when we are open to change that effects more than just us. Jesus came to preach and teach us that, “it’s not all about you.” Not everything revolves around you – in fact, it all needs to revolve around the very reason you are here, Jesus Christ!
His Grace and Faith in you saved you, not the other way around.
“Therefore, let us go on toward perfection.” Hebrews 6:1 (NRSV). Continuing the good works upon the foundation already laid. Focusing on what is ahead not going backwards as many will do. This continued strive to be diligent will not go unnoticed. “For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sakein serving the saints, as you still do.” Hebrews 6:10 (NRSV)
This promise that God has for each of us assures our place among the heirs.
“And now I commend you to God and to the message of his grace, a message that is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all who are sanctified.”
– Acts 20:32 (NRSV)
Peter reminds us of the promise of God. That we need to continue to grow in godliness and holiness awaiting the new heaven and new earth to come.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
– 2 Peter 3:18 (NRSV)
How do we make sure to include all the parts in something we are assembling?
Keep on striving to live in His grace. Be obedient and diligent in the work of Christ.
“Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenlycall of God in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 3:13-14 (NRSV)
Hear the good news! Let God assemble you. Live out your ministry. Finish the course.
“But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace.”
– Acts 20:24 (NRSV)
Your reward is in the legacy you leave behind, and your prize is in Heaven.
“I saw a sign on a strip of highway once that I would like to have copied onto my gravestone.” It said, “End of Construction.” “Thank you for your patience.”
– Ruth Bell Graham (Evangelist/Missionary/Author)
Peace be with you,
Kenny Shortsleeve, Lay Leader