For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Ephesians 2:10 tells us of the valued view God has of us – we are His masterpiece. He has done that for us, by creating us new through Jesus, shifting us from a life of sin to life in Christ. He has a momentous purpose for this that reaches everyone. He planned long ago that we would be co-workers with Him in redeeming the world and the people in it He loves so dearly. Nothing is random; He planned for our participation long ago. Shaping the lives of others to live with the favor and pleasure of God in this life and forever is the central part of our purpose.
Shaping lives – as parents, mentors, teachers, or friends – is a profound calling that balances immense privilege with sobering responsibility. We are stewarding souls that will live forever, and our daily actions and words can leave indelible marks on others, guiding them toward God and His recreation or away from Him.
The privilege part is high and holy. God entrusts us to shape lives for their own continuing influence on others and for eternal significance in His Kingdom. This “God-Shaping" process involves influencing character and actions based on His truth, rather than subjective opinions or trendy cultural ideas. It is a high honor to be trusted by God to influence others, especially younger generations. As Jesus followers, we are privileged and called to be intentional, wise, and loving in wielding our influence. We don’t need to be perfect mentors, however. Those who influence the most profoundly often feel the least qualified. But when we work with God, His grace will always bridge the gap between our ability and their need, if we are humble and open.
Shaping lives comes with serious, long-term responsibility. We are stewards or caretakers of the lives entrusted to us and our influence over them. We are not owners. The strongest tool we have is our example. Lives of wisdom lead others to wisdom. Our children and our mentees may not listen to our words all the time, but they never miss our example. They reproduce what they see in us, whether it is patience, grace, and compassion, or anger, judgmentalism, and impatience. It is sobering because we are accountable to God for how we used our time, abilities, and influence nurturing those around us.
Shapers are shepherds, not behavioral modification experts. We are looking for transformation, not just occasional and temporary adjustments. Shaping lives requires unselfish sacrifices for the good of the ones you serve. They will most often follow you to shape others as you have worked with God to shape them.
- Jesus, help me surrender myself to serve in shaping others as You serve me.