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
I’m not much of an art fan but with that said, sometimes I am just amazed. That amazement usually happens when I am watching one of several travel shows on PBS. Invariably, wherever they are traveling they visit an art gallery. And one thing is certain. The art is as varied as the people who paint them.
To me it is hard to believe that Picasso and Rembrandt are both considered masters. Both are held in high acclaim and yet they and their work are totally different. Picasso’s later works, at least from this art critic, appear to have been drawn in a kindergarten classroom. Amazingly he didn’t always paint this way. In his early years he was a masterful realist in his work. What happened? I think he got bored and went artistically berserk. And people now love it. Notice that word “now” because “then” they didn’t. His masterpieces became masterpieces mostly after the master had died.
I frequently find myself thinking about how incredible it is that according to God…and because of God…you and I are a masterpiece…a true work of art. In case you missed it, the scripture reference is Ephesians 2:10 “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.” Isn’t that just an incredible thought that the God of the universe holds His children—you and me—in such high regard?
Now it is only because of God! It certainly is not anything that we have done…not because of any of our own merit–it is just amazing grace. Sometimes people will say you are “a work of art” and you just know it isn’t exactly a compliment. It is like Picasso’s work pictured above–not exactly a masterpiece—in my eyes anyway. With apologies to his fans, I just can’t figure how he became famous for his artwork. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I’m just saying…
I know sometimes maybe our lives look more like a Picasso than a Rembrandt but just remember–often–beauty is in the eye of the beholder and in this case that is God. When Jesus comes and gives us new life, we become this beautiful new creation. The great part is that His opinion is the only one that matters. It doesn’t matter what your spouse says, your kids say, or even what you say. Nope, in Christ you are a masterpiece because God has declared you so.
One thing I know is that we must determine who we are going to listen to. Will we listen to the worse critics of our life…those whose spiritual gift (they think) is demolition or the One who died for us? Hmmmm….not too hard of a decision, is it? Why is all this so important? Because as we understand how God views us, we begin to live as the masterpiece we are. We begin to live and understand that we are created in the image of Creator God, and He thinks very highly of us.
Not once has God ever taken a masterpiece off the wall of His gallery of grace and declared it unworthy or junk. Never has, never will. And the reason is simple. We are who we are because of Whose we are. We are what we are because He has made us so and He just doesn’t make mistakes. So today, rest in the declaration of your Dearest Father that you, yes-you, warts and all, are a masterpiece. Rest in the full assurance that even if your life looks like a Picasso, His grace can rearrange the squares and make you a Mona Lisa. How? Because He’s got you and He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne
Grits with Grace 