Who are we? – January 11

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:1-24; PM Psalm 12, 13, 14 
Isa. 41:1-16; Eph. 2:1-10; Mark 1:29-45 

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God — not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.

One of my favorite movies that we watch as a family is based upon a Roald Dahl book called The Fantastic Mr. Fox. In this delightful work, interpreted through the creative lens of Wes Anderson, the protagonist Foxy Fox, given voice by George Clooney, has a crisis of self. Who is he? He misses the glory days of stealing chickens and quick escapes. He wants to conduct his fox-life so that he lives out his years in satisfaction, not fear. He no longer wants to live underground. He yearns to leave behind the grind of being a journalist. He seeks adventure and a big house in a tall tree. He is a wild animal and wants to live as one. The movie traces Mr. Fox's foibles in finding himself - and it is a fun ride.

Oddly, I am reminded of The Fantastic Mr. Fox as I read Ephesians 2 today. Paul is reminding the church at Ephesus who they are, and how they got to this point. They were dead through their sins and previous ways of life apart from faithfulness to God. They – like Paul – wrestled with following the desires of flesh and hormones, seeking immediate gratification and sated urges. And, that was not the end of the story…God, who is full of mercy and love, gave new life to the world in Jesus the Messiah. That gift was a gift of salvation, lifting us from life conducted underground and elevating us to new heights. The gift of Jesus was given by the grace of God – and the saving occurred by this action of generosity, not by anything they could do. Living well, eating well, praying well…none of it could bridge the gap between death and eternal life. Paul wrote, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God — not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” The apostle Paul closed this section in this way, addressing identity: “For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.”

My friends, we are the workmanship of God, who has given us a way of grace and life. God has given us a path to walk and companions along the way. For this gift, let us breathe in gratitude and share the Good News with someone who needs this reminder today. Good luck out there!

Katherine+

Questions for Self-Reflection:

Who do you say that you are? What are the mantras you repeat to yourself, affirming your identity? How does your faith in God get expressed in who you are?

Daily Challenge:

Ponder your identity as the work of God.

Invite someone into a conversation to share who they are, as you introduce yourself.