Masterpiece - A Work in Progress

Recently, I saw a post on Facebook that made me take notice. The post read: “You are allowed to be a masterpiece AND a work in progress”. I have always known I was a child of God and a real work in progress, but where does “masterpiece” fit in!?

The dictionary defines masterpiece as a supreme intellectual or artistic achievement and is always connected to a master. I had never thought of myself as a masterpiece, but it felt pretty good. It felt especially good when I read the following scripture, revealing Who the Master of our masterpiece is….to Whom we belong. Ephesians 2:10 NLT tells us: “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”

Now before we get too puffed up about being God’s masterpiece, let us look at the second part of that thought……”we are a work in progress”. Phil 1:6 NRSV tells us: “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” We can be confident that God is continually molding and shaping our lives. We are, indeed, a work in progress.

To tie this together, we need to also look at Ephesians 2:8 . “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” It is good to know, through faith, that it is God’s work in our lives that we can depend on…not our works. Knowing His saving Grace, let us go forth sharing his Word and serving Him with a grateful heart.

Use your “masterpiece” as you see fit, dear Lord!

Jan Knicely Associate in Ministry, emeritus

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church