Invitation to be perfectly fit

^19-22That's plain enough, isn't it? You're no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You're no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He's using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.

(Ephesians 2:19-22)

It is a joyful thing to finally come to a place where we feel like we "fit".  We often spend the majority of our lives looking for that "perfect fit" in life.  We experience disappointment when career, schooling, family, friends, spouse, etc., all somehow don't "fit" in quite the same way as we imagined.  Paul's words today point us toward the "fit" in life that will never disappoint!

When something "fits", we say it is adapted or suited for the purpose it is created for.  Our "fit" in life is that of relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  We are created for the very purpose of bringing him glory and honor.  When we pursue anything else as that "perfect fit", we find that it falls short.  Something that is "fit" is also prepared or readied - such as a crop that is "fit" for gathering into the barns.  The only thing in life that makes us "fit" (prepared or readied) is Christ.  We need his transforming power in our lives in order to be prepared for what comes our way.

We often overlook the meaning of these verses - glancing over them with a quick acceptance that we are being built into a holy temple for God's presence to indwell.  This is only possible when Jesus is the builder - he is the one "fitting" the pieces of our lives together so that they are a perfect dwelling for that presence.  Together, we need his perfect forming, his spiritually powerful "architectural" abilities.  No group of individuals is "built together" without that power.  We can try as we might, but the differences we each possess is often a hindrance to such "building".  In his hands, those differences are uniquely placed side-by-side, forming exactly what brings him the honor he desires.

Where do you fit?  Have you found your "fit" yet?  If not, Jesus stands at the ready to begin the work of "fitting" us for the exact placement he has in mind for us.  Some of us have a "fit" that lends itself to being supports, while others have the unique fit of bringing beauty and pleasure to the structure he is creating.  Regardless of the "fit" we fulfill, when we finally find that "fit", we are in a place where we know perfect peace, overwhelming joy, and everlasting grace.  Ask God to show you what he is "fitting" you for today.  He delights in placing his hands on your life, forming you into his planned purpose for your life.