Co-Workmanship

I have heard it said that Christianity is used as a crutch, used as an escape from suffering. Some do this, as some use all things for all reasons. But when you believe in Christ, it does not mean your brain goes out the window. Christianity is always about co-workmanship. It is a partnership between the individual and God, an agreement, an active daily relationship that means sharing conversations, emotions, processes, and choices when implementing Christian principles in our lives.

1 Corinthians 3:9  For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. God encourages us to be good stewards of his work. His work is his glory, his glory is his power at work in us. To be in God’s service is too live a dedicated life to God. God does not push or force his way into people’s lives, it is the very opposite. We work with God in our lives to establish the fruit of his Spirit in our lives, and to show the love of God to others. 

Ephesians 2:22 And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit. Because God loves and cares for his children, each one of us can be open to the Holy Spirit’s workmanship in our lives. We are like the clay on a potter’s wheel, our thoughts, feelings, attitudes, values grow into more capable vessels for God’s power to dwell and be active. This takes acknowledgment and acceptance. Just as great philosophers, scientist, or doctors perfect their careers with study, so it is in the Christian’s walk concerning spiritual and internal matters of the heart. 

1 Peter 2:5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. The sacrifices of a Christian life are not performing rituals, doing good works, or attending “X” amount of church hours. The sacrifices that are pleasing to God are a humble and contrite spirit in our daily surrender to Jesus that counts, so that God’s Spirit may fill our hearts with the fruit of the spirit leading to the encouragement and support of others and community. 

Proverbs 16:3  Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.      If we are doing things only for our own benefit, we miss out in the great meaning of dedicating who we are as people and all we do to our creator.  God is family, others are family. How someone might dedicate their work and life to their family, so does the Christian- it just includes God as well. We seek to give our hearts and minds to the workmanship of God. This is uniting ourselves back in relationship with God. This is an attitude of the heart. This is a mindset. This is a pure desire.  

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Everyone gets strength from somewhere, self-will, family, relationships, hobbies, passion for a particular field of work, or hobbies. Christians believe that the joy of the Lord is our strength, believe that our well-being and security is not tied up in mainstream matters, but comes from our identity in Christ. This means understanding your own value in God’s sight and purpose. 

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men..   As co-workers, we find a common ground in the Spirit that allows unity in vision and purpose, motivated by God, our Daddy we allow an attitude of gratefulness and connection. Understanding things in this way is no different than making efforts to learn any craft, trade, or skill. The more we actively participate in a relationship with God, the more we co-work with Christ, and fulfill his purpose to present us as a blameless bride to himself as reunited and loved.