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. (Eph. 2:10 NLT)

While at a local fair, I received a call from my son. He told me he had gone to share the gospel in Ferguson, Missouri, where racial injustice had just resulted in a man’s death. 

My first impulse was to say, “What are you thinking? Get out of there.” But my son spoke before I could voice my objection, saying, “I will not let hatred stop me from showing Christ to my neighbor.”

My son knows he’s a product of our family’s genetics, nurture, and environment, but he also believes that he has been created by God for Christ’s purposes. My child is God’s workmanship, a product of divine intention and craft, designed in eternity for God’s eternal purposes. 

Such a perspective makes me gasp to consider the responsibility I have in raising God’s child, and it makes me bow to God’s purposes for him. Of course, I am not the first parent to question whether it’s good for me if my child serves Christ on the mission filed, in charitable endeavors, or on the streets of Ferguson – or Bangladesh, or Afghanistan. Still, I need to remember Christ has dibs on his life.

I’m not talking about being cavalier or irresponsible about life choices; I am affirming that God loves my children more than I do. He fulfills their hearts’ desires by engaging them in his designs. I want my children to be happy. So does Jesus. That’s why he calls them to fulfill their creation purpose. 

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to remember that I and my loved ones are your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works that you prepared long in advance for us.