Keep Walking

By Beth | June 4, 2009
 
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:8-10

 

 

 Are you a Christian? If you were to die today and God were to say to you, Why should I let you into my heaven?” how would you respond? Many times I have heard people say, “Well, I’m a good person. I have not cheated on my husband or wife and I have done the best I could. I’ve never hurt anyone.”

These verses from Ephesians 2 take that answer and throw it out. Matthew 7 tells us that many will give some version of this argument at judgment and Jesus will say, “I never knew you.” Our good works will not get us into heaven (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is only by faith in God’s plan of salvation through Christ’s sacrifice and believing that He died for our sin and rose again to the right hand of God that we will be welcomed into the presence of God upon our death.

But, verse 10 clearly tells us that there will be works to do after we take that step of faith and that God has already planned what works each of His children will do to serve Him. We are to walk in them. When we walk don’t we keep moving forward? If we are walking the work continues.

I find it interesting that many people at my age (early fifties) seem to think that it is legitimate to step aside and let the younger Christians carry the load. When people learn that I have left a teaching ministry they seem to assume that I will now occupy my time with my granddaughter and leave the ministry to others.

I believe that with the birth of a grandchild came another area of responsibility for me, one that I rejoice in. I do not believe that it calls me to stop walking in other areas of ministry. God has given me a gift of teaching, I want to keep walking until there is no breath or strength left to do so.

Sometimes even young families seem to think that a child or two takes away any responsibility for ministry. What example does that set for the next generation? God has a work for each of His children, which may include raising children to love and serve Him. I don’t believe it means that He will call us out of all other ministry. There are works He has prepared for us to do.

Now, I do believe that our highest priority is to be our families. They are God’s ordained classroom for the Christian faith. We are to teach them about God and His love for His children demonstrated through Jesus Christ. This is true for parents and grandparents.

We are also to walk in the work that God has prepared before. Walking is an action. We are to keep moving in the work God has for us to do until we can walk no longer – even then, as long as we can fold our hands or bow our heads – there’s plenty of work to do.

What work has God called you to do for HIM? I don’t see any age limits or requirements in the scriptures. What excuses are you making not to do it?

 

Psalm 119:2-3, Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!

 

 

 

Posted in Regular Posts