4-30-08
"It's Just My Nature"

Scripture thought for today:

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

Dear Friend,
A turtle was happily swimming along a river when a scorpion hailed it from the shore. "Dear friend turtle!" called the scorpion. "Please let me climb upon your back and swim me to the other side of the river!" "No," replied the turtle, "for if I do, you shall sting me, and I shall die." "Nonsense!" replied the scorpion. "If I kill you in the middle of the river, you shall sink, and I shall drown and die with you." The turtle thought this over, and saw the truth of the scorpion's statement. He let it upon his back and began swimming towards the other side of the river. Halfway across, he felt the scorpion's sting in the back of his neck. "Why have you stung me?!" cried the turtle as his body began to stiffen. "Now you shall die as well!" "Because it's just my nature," replied the scorpion as he and the turtle sank beneath the waters.

Have you ever heard someone say "that's just my nature" or "that's just the way I am." When a person comes to a relationship with Jesus Christ there is an old nature that is given to God and a new nature that comes. That new nature reflects the image and likeness of God...the work of God's hands! We are His workmanship created to do the things God has in mind for us to do. The word workmanship in the original language is "poieema" meaning product or fabric. You are "cut from the same cloth" as God. You have been produced from His very nature! Now when we say "that's just my nature" it should be in response to the good works we do that look like Jesus! This is our new nature! Nobody is bad to the bone if they have been redeemed from their old nature. So, there may be some things in our old nature that sting others but how about the goodness of our new nature?!

Today, take time to ponder this scripture. Think about the new life God has given you. What are some of your natural gifts? What are some of the gifts in your new nature? God has prepared some things in advance for you to do. Do you know what they are? What is your new nature calling you to do? What good works are you gifted to do as His workmanship? Remember...you are His workmanship and God is a Master Craftsman, Comforter, Counselor, Teacher, Healer, Friend...you name it, your new nature is good.

In our series, Bad Guys of the Bible, we will be looking at some people who appear to be bad to the bone and discover how they could have changed their nature and how we can live in our new nature.

Prayer: Thank You God that I am Your workmanship. You have made me to do good work in Jesus' Name. I am amazed that You knew in advance and thought about what you needed me to do on Your earth. I pray that I will honor the good work that You have done in me. Show me who needs what You have created me to do. I give this day to You. Amen

God's Workmanship,

©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige