Chosen and Set Apart

Recently, I bought three teacups to give as gifts. They were sitting on shelves in a local antique shop covered in years of dust and grime. At first glance, one might not notice their beauty.

However, I've collected teacups and pots for many years and have learned to look closely at each cup. When something is sitting on a shelf with other items surrounding it you may not pay attention to the fine detail until you pick it up and separate it from the others...set it apart.

The first order of business when I arrived home with my treasures was to fill the sink with hot, soapy water. I couldn't wait to see what a little tender, loving caring would leave behind.

My money wasn't wasted. As I gently sank each cup and saucer into the water and washed away decades of neglect, the rinse cycle produced china, fit for a queen. My smile was the only thing brighter in the room as I thought of the three ladies who would receive each cup.

Isn't that what God does for us? He sees us as we are, a creature of rare beauty. He sees that the world has thrown us away, left us to sit unnoticed under the weight of our guilt and shame. But His word says He has a plan for each of us.

"For we are God's workmanship,

 created in Christ Jesus to do good works,

which God prepared in advance for us to do." 
Ephesians 2:10 NIV

He chose me, washed me clean and set me apart for service to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. What a gift I've been given. On the most difficult days, I need only remind myself of His great love and sacrifice.

You, my friends, are a beautiful workmanship created in Christ Jesus. You were not made to sit on a shelf. You were made to do good works, to shine in the Kingdom of God, to serve the lowly, the poor, the unloved. As one servant of God in my church says regularly, "Shine for Jesus."

Where will you shine this week?



Visit Cindy's blog, My Little Corner at http://www.cindyobrien78.blogspot.com