Whole

Ephesians 1:3-4

How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. -The Message

³Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, ⁴ even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. -ESV

I want to tackle this idea of being made whole and holy in Christ. It's amazing to think that before anything was created, God had already planned for our creation and our lives. That amid all the greatness of nature and the world that surrounds us and encompasses us, God had already decided that we would be the objects of His love and grace. How spectacular that is, to think that our lives were already set so that we would grow and that we would be happy and joyful forever! Worrying about the little details of life seems so insignificant compared the whole picture really, of what we are here to do and what we will accomplish in this world. But God planned it all, the little details and the big pictures, He loved us enough to do that, to make sure that we would not lose our way forever, that His hand would always be there to push and guide us.

This idea of being whole in Christ is really something else. As I think about it, I'm a very incomplete person. I might have some strengths, but many weaknesses that tend to overshadow any benefits I might provide people in life. I am wretched, depraved, useless, and hateful. I find it hard to love others, I would rather find minor annoyances to judge them by and perhaps sacrifice valuable friends in the process. I always expect the worst out of people, but demand their best. And when they can't provide that, I tell myself that's who they are and hate them for it. As I walk in Christ, I've learned that these things aren't going to become easier, and by my strength they will always remain. But Christ is making me whole, and when I can't find the strength to love, to accept people, He will provide. That though my heart is in pieces, and I wander the world blind, His hand is leading me to where He is. To be made whole in Christ is a glorious thing indeed. All these holes in my life are being filled up, and as they do, I'm finding my heart more and more in peace with where Christ has placed me. Life isn't about being the richest or the most powerful, but rather about finding that contentment with our lot. I think as incomplete beings, we always seek something to fill the hole, but it always falls short. Finally Christ filled that hole for us, and the Holy Spirit is sealing it, that we might have that peace at last. Without God, we would be lacking, without God, we would be wandering forever. Glory to God the Father and Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit that decided we should not wander forever, and let us rest by the creek and enjoy God's greatness.

'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far, and Grace will lead me home.