Ephesians 1:7-10 (ESV)
[7] In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of
our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, [8] which he lavished
upon us, in all wisdom and insight [9] making known to us the mystery of his
will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ [10] as a plan for
the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things
on earth.
“In him . . .” Paul’s letter to the Ephesians starts with an
incredible description of the blessings we have in Christ. But that is the
point. It is all about him. When we make church about us we complain about the
music, we complain about the preaching, we complain about where the thermostat
is set. When life is about us we look for someone to blame when things don’t go
our way, we lash out at others, we blame God, we get discouraged or depressed.
When work is about us we get disillusioned when it doesn’t make us feel energized
or fulfilled. When worship is about us we can’t figure out why we don’t feel
like we did the first time we heard that song, or the first time we read the Bible
and it made sense to us, or the first time we felt the presence of God.
Self-focus leads to frustration, bitterness, blame,
accusation, discouragement, and depression. When we make finding the job that
will make us flourish, we will always be disappointed. When we make finding the
spouse or partner that will make us feel loved, important, or safe, we will
always be disappointed. Blessing is not found by finding the niche that best
fulfills us. Blessing is found when we understand that life is not about us. It
is about Christ, and in him we have redemption, riches of grace, wisdom and
insight, and purpose. In him we have assurance that we are part of something
that is bigger than we are. In him we are and have far more than we can
imagine.
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