“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

Does God work like we work? Why do we have to work? Why can’t we have a life of leisure with God giving us everything we want without lifting a finger. Then when we die, we go to heaven and continue the same way.

But that’s not what Scripture says. Genesis states we are made in the image of God and that God is the Creator, working 6 days to create our world and mankind, “And on the seventh day God ended His work which he had done” (Genesis 2:2). It stands to reason that if we’re made in His image, then we’re created to work. This is reinforced in Genesis 2:15, “Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it”.  Work is GOOD.

This original purpose of man didn’t go away when Adam and Eve sinned, but the environment did.  Work would now be “toil” and the fields will have “both thorns and thistles”. Sweat will be a consequence (Genesis 3).  Work becomes HARD.

God created man to have purpose. It’s what gets us up on a Monday morning to start the next week of work to support oneself or a family. It’s what gets us up in the middle of the night to calm a child having nightmares. It’s what keeps a college student studying throughout the night for the goal of obtaining a degree and a career. God placed that inherent desire in our souls to have purpose and meaning. Sin undermines that purpose and redirects it towards a self-centered existence.

But God has the answer. Our true purpose in this life is realized through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. The old self with its selfish desires is no more. We become a new creation when we fully surrender our life to Christ. Our first verse today, Romans 8:28, states this is only possible because God calls us. We didn’t and can’t come to Him on our own. And He calls us into a purpose that He had pre-determined. Isn’t that good news?  

This new life brings new purposes and good works (Ephesians 2:10) with the overarching goal of transforming us more and more into the likeness of His Son.  Full of grace and truth, Jesus is the firstborn so that many may follow. Why wouldn’t we want to become more and more like Christ?

As an older Christian, I can sometimes fall into the prideful trap that I know all the answers. God has nothing else left for me, I’ve seen it all and done it all. I have no desire to push the envelope. No desire to go into the uncomfortable places or allow any questioning of what I believe.

But God is so gracious. His Spirit prompts me to move forward because there is more work ahead for me and more growth in my walk.  This road of sanctification, as we call it, means that brokenness and sin habits are still being rooted out. And I have seen the powerful work of the Holy Spirit giving me victories when I could have never had them on my own.

Being the Good Father, God doesn’t stop working in our lives after we are saved. Yes, we are accepted and have a new identity but God in his patience and grace works to conform us more and more into the image of His Son. And this is a lifelong pursuit because the love, humility, and grace of Jesus are inexhaustible and infinitely priceless!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gentleness of your hand upon my life. But I also thank you for the discipline you have shown. You love those you correct. Continue to prompt me and convict me with your Spirit and may I be attentive to those promptings. Thank you for giving me purpose and new life.  In the powerful name of Jesus, I pray. Amen!