WHAT A PIECE OF WORK

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

Monet. Beethoven. Vivaldi. Michaelangelo. Thoreau. Longfellow. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear those names (and many others)? Creative geniuses. Their works have given not only the world, but even God good pleasure. But what if I told you that you too are creative geniuses? What do you think of that?

"Wait a minute! You're kidding, right?", you exclaim. And believe it or not, why would I kid about something so dear to God's heart? If you would allow me, let's get a bit logical for a moment. First, God created us in His image (read Genesis 1:26-28). Next, God considered His handiwork "very good" (1:31). He illustrates His resolve when He speaks His truth through Jeremiah -- "O house of Israiel, can I not do with you as this potter does? declares the Lord. Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand" (18:6). And as the verse above eludes, "we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works." Therefore, what conclusion can be drawn? We are a piece of work, that's what! Our names may not be Beethoven, Valvaldi or Thoreau, but those who know the name of the Lord "will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You" (Psalm 9:10).

Sadly, we seem to allow our feelings to get in the way of God's truth. There are days when we may feel worthless and of no value to anything or anyone. But the truth still remains in black and white - we are God's workmanship! Upon closer examination, you'll find that our worth was established long before we ever had a say to the contrary. Truly, do we know who we are in Christ? Do we find our creative worth and value in the hand we've been dealt or in the One that holds heaven and earth in the palm of His? Yes, I was a product of molestation, rape, childhood domestic violence, parental divorce, bad choices and even worse consequences. Not a very appealing hand and I'm sure we all have our "cracked pot" tales, but I found in God's word that His "grace is sufficient for [me and you], for {His} power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). The point? No one is perfect, but in Christ all can be forgiven. We can be all that God created in us to be.

"Okay," you say. "I understand where you're going with this, but...". BUT WHAT? Too often we short change ourselves. A $20 bill is still worth $20 no matter how it looks or what it's been through. God calls us His beloved and like the words He spoke from heaven over His Son, "this is my [daughter], whom I love; with [her] I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). Now I'm going to ask you to take a creative leap of faith by personalizing that passage. I want you to insert your name..."this is my daughter, Doris, whom I love; with Doris I am well pleased." For someone whom God said was "fearfully and wonderfully made," our natural tendency would say to deny the claim. But I suggest we take a more biblical approach. Simply accept His truth and grow "confident in this, that He who began a good work in you [again insert your name] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). And so again I echo with our Savior -- You [your name here] are His workmanship created for good works and what a beautiful piece of work you are!

Truthful Consideration:
1. Find 5 passages in God's word that describe your worth.
2. Write these scriptures on an index card.
3. Read over them daily.
4. Trust the truth of God's word about what He says.

Next post...God's Good Gossip Exercise