Who Am I?. Sharon Simmonds

that is filled with “unforced rhythms of grace” (MSG).

      Our identity as those who are created for good works is the result of our relationship with Christ and God’s new creation work in us and through us. We watch to see where God is working and we join him. In Ephesians 2, Paul emphasizes at least three things about being created in Christ Jesus for good works.

      1. We’ve Been Made Alive in Christ (Eph. 2:1–6). Paul contrasts life before Christ and life with Christ. Previously we followed the ways of the world, gratifying our sinful nature by doing whatever we felt like doing when we felt like it. Our lives were self-absorbed, selfish and disobedient. And then, in an incredible act of mercy and love, God rescued us from sin and made us alive in Christ. We didn’t do any work to make this happen. It’s all a gift! God’s good work involves human beings coming alive in Christ. He repairs, restores and redeems our lives, our relationships and our activities to align with his purposes.

      2. We Join God in His Work (Eph. 2:7–13). Paul references the rich history of God’s covenants and promises and how they were fulfilled through Christ’s death on the cross. Again, all God’s work, not ours. Jesus understood this larger perspective and lived accordingly. When he walked on earth Jesus didn’t decide what to do and then ask God to bless his work. Instead, he positioned himself with his Father’s work, doing “only what he saw his Father doing” (John 5:19, NIV). Jesus modeled intentionality and purpose, knowing where to go and what to do. He also knew what not to do. We learn from Jesus that God’s good work is about his activity, in his timing, in his way—and we get to join him.

      3. We’re in This Together (Eph. 2:14–18). God’s good works are reflected in his people, in the way we relate and work together. Paul addresses animosity and suspicion, reminding us that Jesus tore down walls of hostility and gave everyone a fresh start. We are equals. We have the same Spirit. We have equal access to the Father. We are part of something together. Let’s not get fooled into believing that achieving fantastic results is more important than how we treat one another in the process. Loving each other well is real work—let’s make it good work!

      Being created to do good works is not about working harder and doing more. Rather, it is being invited into a dynamic relationship with Jesus and others, attentive and responsive to the Spirit, joining with God in what he is doing to make all things right.

      “He’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.”

      Micah 6:8, MSG

      Reading and Meditating on God’s Word

      Matthew 11:28–30

      Ephesians 2

      Personal Reflection

      Where are you on the scale?

      What’s contributing to this reality?

      How do the points from Ephesians 2 shift your thinking and approach to good works?

      What invitation is Jesus extending to you today?

      Journal, Sketch, Pray

      Loved

      “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

      John 3:16, NIV

      My brother likes to tease me about a time when we were children. Our father was disciplining my brother for something he had done. I was in the background, observing and clearly calculating that I did not want this to happen to me. In an act of self-preservation, I chimed in, “Was I a good girl, Daddy?” I haven’t lived that down!

      My childhood story highlights a little girl’s desire to please her dad. However, at a deeper level, I think it had much more to do with one of my core human needs—to know that I was loved.

      God, our Father, knows our need for love. He wired us this way, and he relentlessly pursues us with his love. He doesn’t mock us for wondering or doubting his love. He doesn’t withhold his love because of something we’ve done or not done. Even in times of discipline, he assures us and reassures us and assures us again of his great love for us. In Jeremiah 31:3 he says, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love and more love!” (MSG).

      God loves us—and the whole world—so much that he provided a way to reconcile all things to himself through Jesus.

      This is what we believe, what we sing about and what we teach. Still, I speak with too many Christ-followers who are struggling to believe and claim the truth that “I am loved.” We dwell on ways we are unlovable instead of basking in God’s unconditional, loved-us-first, ever-present love. We listen to the words of others rather than listening to God’s whispers to us: I love you. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate you from my love (see Rom. 8:37–39, MSG).

      God’s very character is love (1 John 4:16). His extravagant love is fully expressed and accomplished through Jesus. He has lavished his love on us, invited us to receive his love and called us his children (1 John 3:1). When we come into God’s love we are identified with Christ, we live in God and God lives in us (1 John 4:17, MSG). We live and lead loved.

      How refreshing and invigorating to live from my identity of being unconditionally loved by God. Knowing it is well with my soul. Having the ability to show up and be more concerned about others than I am about myself. Not needing to self-protect or manage my image. Living in freedom to be me. Reconciled with God because of his great love for me and now at work with him to extend this same love to others.

      I am loved. There’s nothing I’ve done to earn or deserve it. God’s love doesn’t shift based on my response. It is love expressed by my Father’s open arms beckoning me into his presence. He sees everything about me and gives no indication of disappointment or shame. His gentle embrace comforts and quiets me. In this love I am able to open myself completely to the One who gave everything for me to live with him forever—a praise-filled response to this incredible love!

      “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.

      He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

      Zephaniah 3:17, NIV

      Reading and Meditating on God’s Word

      Romans 8:31–39

      1 John 4:7–21

      Personal Reflection

      In what ways have you found it easy to believe and receive God’s love for you?

      In what ways have you found it difficult?

      How would your life or leadership be different if you fully embraced the reality that “I am loved” by God?

      What keeps you from being quieted by God’s love (Zeph. 3:17)?

      Journal, Sketch, Pray

      Chosen

      “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,

      gentleness and patience.”

      Colossians 3:12, NIV

      cho • sen (CHōz n)—to be the object of choice or of divine favor, to be selected to do or receive something special.

      We often struggle with the idea of being chosen, perhaps because of negative memories or