Day 1. Ephesians 2.

Dear world.
I was reading Ephesians 2 today and thought I'd share a bit about what I thought it meant. So here goes.

What I've been thinking about a lot recently was how Christianity is a choice. Everything in life is a choice. For so long people outside of Christianity have looked at it merely as a set of rules and laws--none of which they found appealing or worthwhile. So I've been looking at some scripture and devotions that reflect on the choice behind it all. After all, that was the point of Christ coming. Without a blood sacrifice, we are damned to Hell from our sin-nature {Genesis--creation story}. The church and sacrificing methods were going so far off the correct path with the conceded, self-worshipping [majority of] the Pharisees and Sadducees in the days of Christ, that God fulfilled the word of the prophets in the Old Testament and sent His son to be the ultimate sacrifice. So now we are faced with the option of Hell [not accepting Christ] or Heaven [accepting Christ and His salvation from Hell]--not that people in the Old Testament didn't have the choice of Heaven or Hell, they did...but our choice [the sacrifice in and of itself] requires less action because Jesus did the majority of the work for us. Now, all we have to do is confess and accept {Romans 10:9}...that's the first step.

Now let's look at Ephesians 2:1-10...this is based on the same concept as what I just said above. We must remember that we don't deserve this choice at hand. When we trace ourselves, our origin, back to creation, we can then ask ourselves--what is it that gives us worth? Is it that we can eat, work, play, have impressive talents, look pretty, etc.? No, not at all. You alone have no worth. Now HOLD ON. Before you stop, and feel worthless--continue reading this in context. You alone have no worth, but because of God, you are of great value. When He created us, we were made in His image--we are a reflection of God. Therefore, we are to be a reflection of His glory and to show His glory. Once again--this is a choice. So back on subject, Ephesians 2:1-10 that tells us about Christ's blood sacrifice for our sins reflects on that we were not given the opportunity of grace because we deserved it or we earned it, but because God has given us a GIFT of incomparable riches through His kindness. We are God's precious handiwork--at reflection of Him--created to do GOOD works, and He prepared us in advance [gave us ALL we would need to accomplish the tasks He has given us]. So once again, we see evidence of choice in that we were created to do good works, but as many of us have seen and experienced--not everyone does good works, and those of us that attempt to don't always stick with it.

Next, let's hit up Ephesians 2:11-13. This section focuses on the history that Jews and Gentiles [aka circumcised and uncircumcised] did not get along and were seperate. Today we can see this in denominations, racism, political parties, etc. We are called as brothers and sisters in Christ, though, to look over differences: we are one body in Christ--> read on. Verse 14-19 reinforces what I just said about being one. Christ has removed these barriers of the law and of tradition that kept the circumcised and the uncircumcised separate. Because of Christ, we are all working toward one goal--you are either for Christ or against Christ. Nothing comes in between. There is no gray area here. Once again, what do we see? We see a choice between acceptance in Christ as one body, or attempting to be separate, causing damage to the body of Christ, and ultimately being against Him.

Last in this chapter comes the happy part, the home run, etc. Because Christ forgave us ALL, and because we ALL are glorious beings as reflections of God and not because of anything we've done or can do, and because we ALL are called to be one in the body of Christ and love one another as He did {John 15:12} and not let former laws or traditions separate u...then He is our cornerstone. [The cornerstone being the most important part of the structure that keeps it all in a delicate balance and from tumbling to ruins...Jesus Christ, God, is that.] The structure, the temple, the building that glorifies God and sings praises to Him is joined together--it is built up because of Christ, in Christ. And now, looking back to you and your decisions, and your choice: you have the choice to be built together to become a temple of Christ where God, as His Spirit lives within you. Notice, though that the Spirit living within you will be a sensor to provide conviction [similar to a feeling of guilt] when you are sinning, and therefore choosing to become a temple of Christ where the Holy Spirit dwells is also choosing to have a sensor on your actions. This is a good thing, a gift from God living inside you--as He called the Holy Spirit "the Comforter or the Counselor," {John 16:7} and the Spirit will help you to draw closer to God, purify your habits, and live a better overall life--life in abundance and fullness {John 10:10}. :)

So as I close Ephesians 2, reflect on what choices you've made:
-Have you accepted that you are a glorious creation that is a reflection of God made with a purpose?
-Are you seeking to fulfill the purpose God created you for?
-Have you accepted the gift of grace and salvation that God has offered through Christ?
-Do you look at your neighbor through the eyes of Christ with love?
-Do you look at your fellow brother and sister in Christ as working toward the same goal; part of one body in Christ?
-Have you accepted that Christ is the ultimate foundation, should be the ultimate foundation of the church [as a whole...not jus individual churches along] and of your life?
-Have you allowed the Holy Spirit to come into your life, to guide your thoughts, words, and actions that you might better fulfill God's purpose for your life and show His glory?

You know the answers to these questions. I do not. Be honest with yourself and with God. What do you need to work on? What different choices do you need to be making? Perhaps you should talk it out with God...He's listening.