GOD'S MASTERPIECE

Matthew 5:16
16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

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

Michelangelo was once asked what he was doing as he chipped away at a shapeless rock. He replied, "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." Isn't God in the same business? He liberates sinners like us from our "shapeless" lives and releases us to serve and display His glory in the world.

Paul said in Ephesians 2:10 that we are God's work of art. In short, we are God's masterpieces. God is Creator, and He called the universe and humanity into being. God's creation is a great work of art, but it is not His greatest masterpiece. His greatest masterpiece is redemption--taking people who were dead in their sins and making them alive in Jesus by His amazing grace. This masterpiece is unparalleled because it cost God His Son.

What does being God's masterpiece require of us? Did God create us just to hang on the walls in the galleries of our homes and sit on pedestals in the museums of our churches? No, we have been created in Jesus for a purpose. We have been ordained to do good works.

According to Matthew 5:16, good works should be a natural result of letting the light of Jesus shine through us. When we have a genuine relationship with Him, they inevitably flow out of our lives. Also, good works should be attractive and positive. People should be drawn to Jesus based on the beauty of our lives, not repelled because of the ugly behavior they see. Our deeds should always point to the Father. The moment we start doing good for any other reason than to glorify our Father, we cease to be a work of art, and begin to become a piece of work.

Good works should be redemptive in nature. We engage in them not to be saved but because we are saved. "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). --Marvin Williams

DESTINATION POINTS

* How can I make good works more a part of my journey with Jesus?
* How are my deeds attracting people to Jesus?
* How would my life be different if I helped people who couldn't pay me back?

LINKS:
Michelangelo Buonarroti

bottom line: God's art gallery is your life of good works.

soul journey