Not Passive Workers

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10). The old Puritan writer who defined Salvation as "the life of God in the soul of man" was entirely right. Only do not fail to bear in mind that the man in whom He dwells is not himself passive. In the nature of the case he cannot be. For indolent inactivity, even in the name of orthodox belief, can never hold fellowship with essential energy--which is what God is. Yes! There are Hands unseen working with our hands. There is a Will omnipotent energizing our wills. There is a Wisdom ineffable informing our minds. There is a Patience untiring steadying our impulses. There is a Strength untold directing our members. There is a Divine Craftsman repeating Himself in us. And all in such a manner that our individuality is not thereby destroyed but developed. We are ourselves workers together with Him, pledged to do our part, though always aware that without Him we can do nothing, and always sure that "if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise," it belongs to Him alone. For the final explanation of life is that deep and yet how simple statement that "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works."