Ephesians 1:11-14
It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A lot of us are familiar with “installment plans.” Many jobs have a “starting salary” that increases as you take on more tasks or accrue months or years of service. In time, you may receive pay raises, bonuses, and more. Some people open a savings account for newborn babies, and as the children grow, more money is placed in these accounts… creating a “college fund” or “nest egg” for use when the child matures or reaches a certain age. You can probably think of other instances where a “base amount” is given to someone, and additional payments and perks are provided over time.
Let’s face it… getting regular “installments” creates something of an incentive to keep working… to perform well… to earn more benefits and accolades. We only have to look as far as lottery winners who blow through their fortune in short order to see what often happens when too much is awarded at once! And so it is with God’s wisdom and truth for us… and all that He has planned for our lives. God grants us Salvation and all of the security and blessings that come with a life in Christ. As we grow and serve, He provides us with “perks, raises and incentives” to continue our discipleship.
Part of the excitement of being a Christian is the anticipation of what God has in store for us next. I don’t know about you, but I am exhilarated by even the idea that I don’t know for sure how or where God will show up in my life next… but I know for certain that He will! This is a huge motivator to work harder… to spend more time in His presence… to be ready for whatever He wants to send my way.
So often, we are eager to have everything at once. We humans are not notoriously patient! We want all that God has in store for us… and we want it now! But God knows that we cannot handle everything at once. He knows the value of allowing us to grow into our new life in Christ… and to lean on His discernment for the pace and volume of the blessings He bestows. Our job is to remain faithful… to stay in close communion with God… to listen to Him and follow His lead.
The old adage “good things come to those who wait” applies to Christians, too. In our case… good things come to those who wait upon the LORD! Are you waiting on the LORD these days? Are you anticipating His next installment in your life… and will you be ready when it comes?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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