Ephesians 2:10

NASB	NLT	VOICE
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.	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.	10 For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish the good works God arranged long ago.

God’s Masterpiece: More Than a Metaphor

Workmanship is such a vivid word. The Greek word for workmanship is “poiema,” suggesting a work of art masterpiece. We are God’s masterpiece, we are intentionally and intricately designed by God. It connects back to the Genesis creation story to describe God’s purpose and care in his creation. It can feel odd to hear that we are “created in Jesus.” What Paul is stating is that we are a new creation in Christ. We are transformed not just physically, but spiritually. We are reborn with Christ at the center of our lives. This rebirth was to do good works. The early church had a strong emphasis on community and service (living out Jesus’ teaching about loving one’s neighbor and serving others.) God knew what good works we were capable of before he even created us. From a grander theological perspective, this is called “predestination.” God, in his power, has ordained certain peoples and actions for us. This is our new way of living through him. Living out our faith should be counter-cultural. The early church lived this way, at risk of death. Our lifestyle should be a way to share our testimony about what God has done for us and how his way transforms us. 

Let God Paint the Full Picture

You know, typically I’d roll into the “don’t talk the talk, but walk the walk” interpretation of this verse. The Holy Spirit has challenged me to do something new. I want you to imagine yourself on a canvas. Looking out back the Artist, wondering, “What’s going to do next? What is going to be added to me? What’s going to be taken away?” God is our artist drawing us and sculpting us. God is designing our bodies, our spirits, our personalities according to his ordained plan for us. Now, even that last sentence could trigger someone who struggles with body dysmorphia, who is transgender, and who’s even questioning their own identity. Their body doesn’t feel right. Their soul knows something is up. A lot of conservative Christians would label these people with “mental issues” and try to remove their right to seek any sort of physical modification to make them feel more complete. Our bodies are not perfect. God knits us together in our mothers’ womb, but there are environmental, physical, mental issues that could happen to us in there or through our parents that are outside of our own control. It doesn’t mean that there was something wrong with us, that we’re ugly, broken, bruised – none of that. God still created us to be here for a reason. God doesn’t look at the physical as the world does. God looks at our soul, our heart. How we steward our physical being to hold the Spirit’s presence – that is between us and God. We do deserve the right to feel comfortable in our skin, even when God shows us that we are not trash, but a masterpiece. I say all this to close with: No matter how you look, how others say you look, or how you look to yourself – God created a masterpiece with you. God created a one-of-a-kind work of art that is beautiful on the inside and out. I’m sorry if the world has failed to help you realize it, but I also hope that the world is kind enough to you to showcase who your soul really is. 

Reflection Questions

1. What areas of your life have you felt less than a masterpiece lately?
2. How do you typically define your worth?
3. What “good work” might God be preparing you to walk right now?

Call to Action

Listen to the song “Masterpiece” by Danny Gokey. Write down three things you’ve felt insecure or self-conscious about. Then, next to each one, write how those parts still reflect the love and intentionality you see. 

Song: https://youtu.be/culDfUqiKDE?si=NCQWVFqNvaPrarLl

Next slice of manna: Manna for the Mind #252