In Ephesians 2:10, Paul wrote, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Many translations translate that key word as “workmanship.” We are created much like a clay pot is made at the hands of a skilled potter. The result is His handiwork or as the NLT version says, His “MASTERPIECE.”

The definition of a masterpiece includes the idea that it is a one of a kind. It is a showpiece, a prize, the treasure. It becomes known as the greatest achievement of that artist.

And the Lord is using that imagery to describe you and me. We are His MASTERPIECE. So, to speak, our artwork is hanging on his refrigerator. He can talk forever about our achievements. His phone is stuffed with hundreds of pictures of His kids. He treasures each of them. Each one is His MASTERPIECE.

Each one is unique. Each one has been created with different qualities, gifts or characteristics. No two people are the same. His fingerprints are all over us, creating a different pattern of love over each life.

The challenge for us is to live like the one He created us to be!

Yes, we are human and human beings have doubts, they struggle with self-esteem issues, they compare themselves with everyone around them, they fail and feel shame and guilt. But notice the response of the Lord…

When we give in to our fears and cower in corners, He “answers us and delivers us from all our fears” (Ps. 34:4).

When we don’t feel particularly good about our bodies, He replies “All beautiful you are my darling, there is no flaw in you” (Song of Solomon 4:7).

When we struggle with a birth defect or some regret about our birthplace or family history. He asserts, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Ps. 139:14).

When we fail measurably, He reminds us that “His grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (II Cor. 12:9).

He does all that because we were made His MASTERPIECE for a purpose. We were specifically created to do good works (Eph. 2:10). We are to live out our privilege. We are to live like the one He created us to be!