Faith Forum by Gloria Wessner - Left to Ourselves

(Page 4)

Have you ever wondered what would happen to a child if, left to themselves to grow up with no rules, training or discipline – what they'd be like?
Having worked with children for many years in elementary schools, I see the differences and results all the time in children that come from homes where they pretty much do what they want, compared to those children who have discipline, moral training and structure in their lives.
It is no guarantee that when they grow up they won't always make good choices and end up in trouble with the law or worse – but the difference is that they have a better chance of being a good citizen, employee, husband or wife and dad or mom.
In God's word in Ephesians 2, a piece was written to those who at one time followed only what they wanted (here called our 'evil or sinful nature'), but then chose God in a personal relationship and His ways. It was written as a reminder for them to remember where they came from when they lived for themselves, to what they had become because of what God had done for them through Jesus Christ and their choice to follow Him.
“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil - the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God's anger, just like everyone else.
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 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 2:1-10 NLT)
How about you? Will you choose to be God's masterpiece today – his special work of art? Our choices today affect our future tomorrow and for eternity.

Feel free to write me at gloriawes@hotmail.com and I'll be more than happy to chat with you.