For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Pew Research asked a wide and diverse group of Americans, from all economic levels, careers, genders, races, religions, and backgrounds for a simple “yes” or “no” answer to this statement: “I believe my life has meaning and purpose.” The results were disheartening:
44-54 years of age – 44% yes
30-44 years of age – 39% yes
18-29 years of age – 36% yes
Only one category had a majority expressing they did believe their lives had meaning and purpose – and it was the slimmest majority possible. 51% of the senior adults said “yes.”
When so few people believe that who they are and what they do matter, we can easily see the genesis and trajectory of that false belief. We have lost sight of who we are as God’s unique crown of creation: humans. He created us with great intention, an incredible design, and tremendous purpose. He calls us His masterpiece, created to do the good things He planned.
Primary in His purpose for us as His most valuable chosen creation is to declare this truth to others He values and loves so dearly. Peter told us how privileged we are! “You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT). Is there anything more amazing than that? God trusts us as His chosen ones to lead others from darkness to light.
Some have been confused into thinking that leading others from darkness to light is the exclusive responsibility and ability of “professional” ministry, like pastors and missionaries. That’s a complete misunderstanding. The minute we come to know Christ as our King, we have a new calling and privilege. We don’t have to choose a different career or move to a new place. We get to represent Jesus clearly in the sphere of influence we currently have. The people we work with, live with, and encounter in our daily lives are the ones who are our targets.
Here's the thing – when we declare ourselves as Christians or Jesus followers, we DO represent Jesus to our sphere of influence whether we intend to or not. People decide on whether Jesus is for them or not, loves them or not, cares about their needs or not, by whether or not WE do. Are we leading them from darkness to light or to confusion and rejection by the way we live? Our piety and rules, our credentials and resumes don’t matter. It’s the way we love and live like Jesus. We REPRESENT Him. It’s not casual. It’s serious and wonderful.
- Do those in my sphere of influence see an attractive and accurate Jesus in me?