Pinocchio

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Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Paul talks about how we are dead to sin and alive unto righteousness. Here he says that we are God’s workmanship. A workmanship is “Something made or produced by a workman” according to thefreedictionary.com. If God is the workman, then that means He is “A craftsman or artisan.” I’m a work of art! Jesus Christ is my redeemer. He allows me to do good works. God designed me to do good works, but without Jesus, I can’t do them.

I’m reminded of the story of Pinocchio. He’s a wooden puppet, crafted by a skilled toy maker, Geppetto. Geppetto wanted to have a son soooo badly, that he crafted this puppet to look like a real boy. I seem to be Pinocchio because I was crafted with a purpose, to bring glory to my Maker! But without Jesus, I’m still just made of wood and unable to move about in freedom. God prepared me in advance to do good works, but if I keep trying to put my strings back on, I’ll be limited by the world. There is so much more that I can relate to on this classic cartoon. I could go on and on about how I have a conscience, which is Jiminy Cricket. Well, maybe Jiminy is like the Holy Spirit. Anyways, it’s just an analogy.

So,…what do I do with this analogy? How do I apply it so I can be a “real” Christian? I need to have confidence in my purpose. Well, maybe I need to be clear about what my purpose is first. Am I meant to be a mentor who corrects and rebukes in love? Or an all smiles, overly joyful, carefree Christian that doesn’t let the cares of the world phase me? Or both? Ah, I’m not very focused right now. I want to do good works. I want to do good. But it seems that when I try to do good, all that I see is trouble, problems, and screw ups. I’m afraid to think higher of myself and say, “I did my best and that is good enough,” because I don’t want to be proud. How do I please God, and God alone? Who do I talk to? I feel like I’m in the belly of the whale. Where is my conscience?
I must remember that God prepared me for His good works. I am designed for His good work. I’m capable if I just depend on Jesus.

Heavenly Father, I am so sorry for not being all that You designed me to be. Lord, I am trying so hard to be better. Please change me. Forgive me for falling short. I love You. Please fill me with Your love. Please Lord, Please. I need to be a “real” Christian. I’m so tired of being seen as a shallow Christian. I want to be the best that You want me to be. Help me to be good. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.