You are His Masterpiece

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

One of my favorite things to do with my daughter is to paint at Wine and Design.  I love to see a blank canvas and a plate of all colors of paint.  There’s colorful paint splatter on the tables and the aprons.  The walls are filled with many different paintings, but there is one painting on the easel in the front and that’s the one everyone will paint.  

The room is filled with energy and excitement. I look at that blank canvas and then back at the finished painting on the easel. I pick up my paintbrush and think, “The possibilities are endless.” 

The instructor stands by the easel to guide us, but ultimately we hold the paintbrush.  We pick the color and the texture.  We create the masterpiece. 

At the end of each session, everyone takes a group photo holding our painting.  From a distance, the paintings look the same, but up close you can see the unique differences. We take a black sharpie and sign our initials in the corner.  Even though my daughter and I have the same initials, our m’s and our v’s are not the same.

We all stand holding up our artwork smiling proudly at the camera, and then we each leave with our beautiful painting and a smile. 

Just like that art, we are God’s masterpiece.  He has designed each of us, and we are all different. To some He gave curly hair and others straight. Some have blue eyes, others brown.  Some of us are serious and others are full of humor.  Some are introverted, others extroverted.  He has given each of us our unique design to do the good things He planned for us long ago. 

In a world that tells us what we should look like and be like it is easy to forget that we are His masterpiece.

When I was a young girl, I remember standing in line at the grocery store and seeing all of the photoshopped images on the cover of magazines. I would gaze at the headlines, and minutes later I found myself feeling like I was “less than” or “not enough.”  Today, with social media it can feel like I am still standing in that line only it’s all day, every day.

It’s so subtle I don’t even realize it is happening.  As I scroll through the images, I find myself wanting things I don’t have, and longing to go places I’ve never been. If only I were ________ (taller, smaller etc. ….fill in the blank.) I wish I could ________ play the guitar, run in a race etc…. fill in the blank.) 

I don’t typically hop off of social media thinking, “Wow!  I am a masterpiece uniquely created by Christ!”  

So, how do we embrace the truth when we are bombarded with images and thoughts that tell us otherwise?  

1. Memorize it. Ephesians 2:10 was one of the first verses I memorized. I would repeat it over and over using my own words.  I am God’s masterpiece. He is making me new to do the great things He planned for me long ago.  I am God’s Masterpiece.  
2. Check yourself.  If social media is bringing you down and making you feel less than, take a break or limit what you see or how much time you spend online. I quit watching the news and reading the paper, and it helped tremendously with my anxiety.  Sometimes, less is truly more.  
3. Talk to Him about it. Ask Him to help you see yourself as His incredible design. Admit you are struggling with comparison and doubt. Pray for the truth to sink deeply into your heart.  

You are HIS MASTERPIECE.  Think back to the painting.  Imagine Him creating you on a blank canvas. He is holding the brush, and He is picking out the paints. He takes His time as He puts the finishing touches on.  When He’s finished, He holds it up high and smiles knowing all that you will do.  

Reflection:

You are His Masterpiece. What keeps you from believing you are His masterpiece? What helps you to remember and live like you are His Masterpiece?