For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
“As for my set hours of prayer, they are only a continuation of the same exercise. Sometimes I consider myself there, as a stone before a carver, whereof he is to make a statue: presenting myself thus before God, I desire Him to make His perfect image in my soul, and render me entirely like Himself.”
Brother Lawrence (c. 1614-1691) in The Practice of the Presence of God: The Best Rule of Holy Life (Grand Rapids: CCEL) 17.
Paul described us as “God’s handiwork” that is created to do good works. We are like the stone before a carver. And so beautiful that He is re-making us Christ to live generously!
What stirs within you when you hear that you are like a stone before a carver? How is God working in you? Know this. It is for a purpose. What is that purpose? It is to do good works!
Recently, I said to someone that I think doing good works when all society and order around us seems to be crumbling during COVID is simply doing what Jesus would do regardless of what others are doing.
It means that we live, give, serve, and love like Jesus no matter what. Its the opposite of the world, and may even result in trials and suffering. Our job is to be the stone and let the Carver have His way.