Heartthoughts: Making Arrangements

Isn’t it good to know that “We are God’s (own) handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, (born anew) that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us, (taking paths which He prepared ahead of time) that we should walk in them--living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live.” Ephesians 2:10 (Amplified New Testament).

God has good works that He has planned for us to do! He has even prepared the paths that we are to take, all the while living the good life that he has prearranged for us! Think about it: when you do something good, you are actually fulfilling God’s will for you. He has arranged our life so that this will happen!

That means that when I went to the nursing home last night and loved people in the name of the Lord, He had it planned that I would do that. And Monday, when we took my ailing, almost-82-year-old sister for an outing and a lunch that she thoroughly enjoyed, we were operating in His plan!

I really like the part about living the good life! “The good life” has become a catch phrase for any number of ideas representing an idealized existence: plenty of leisure, security, wealth, satisfaction with worldly goods, to name a few. But God’s good life is one of serving others and being content. I Timothy 6:6 says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain,” and Proverbs 10:22 assures us, “The blessings of the Lord maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”

I appreciate the good life. Contentment in modest living, sharing with others, the reward of children, and a happy home. His blessings are untainted with regret, guilt, or sadness. They are given unconditionally, with no strings attached, even as the love parents bestow upon their children, ideally.

How do we know we are walking out God’s plan for us? By living a Spirit-led life. Romans 8:6 tells us that “To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Does this mean that we are to be so spiritually minded we are of no earthly good? No, it just means that we have our priorities straight. The earthly is temporary, but the spiritual lasts forever.

What a comfort to know God has planned our lives, and if we seek Him for direction, we can live within that plan. A key verse is Proverbs 3:6, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” By acknowledging him, we ask His guidance and follow His precepts. Only then can we have fulfillment and truly live “the good life.”