“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them”
Ephesians 2:10
When Paul wrote these words, he meant the things we are to do, the ways we are to serve—are good things. And, of course, he meant the works are good for others, good for those people we are meant to serve. Going a bit further, though, could it be he also meant the things we are to do, the ways we are to serve . . . are good for us, too?
That’s precisely what Jesus was getting at when he said it’s “more blessed to give than to receive”. It’s been nearly two thousand years and that notion is still counterculture. But the truth is . . . to give, to serve, to notice, to care, to love, to offer our strength to others, to live for others, is actually what brings purpose, fulfillment, joy to our lives. It’s one important reason why King David sang,
“Delight yourself in the Lord; and he will give you the desires of your heart”
*Borrowed from Justin Camp at WIRE