In Ephesians 2:10, the Greek word poeima translates as workmanship in the King James Version (KJV) of the bible. However, I love the New Living Translation’s (NLT) rendition of the Greek word. It reads:
“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.”
We are God’s masterpiece. What this says is God created us with great skill. We are a work of art, designed by the master craftsman Himself.
Not only that, but He created us for a particular purpose. He has a plan for our lives, and he crafted us specifically to implement that plan.
However, workmanship does not refer to original or physical birth but a spiritual birth. When we became Christians, we were reborn, recrafted, made into a new person.
Created For Good Works
Created in Christ Jesus means our spiritual life allows us to do good works. But what exactly are these good works?
Before we were Christians, we were dead in our sins. Our allegiance was to the devil because his spirit works in the hearts of those who disobey God. I know some people do not like the sound of that, but these are not my words but what the bible says. (See Ephesians 2:2). It is because God loves us so much, he devised a way for us to escape from the clutches of the enemy.
He sent Jesus to die for our sins, and through his death and resurrection, we are now free, saved by grace. Now that we no longer walk in sin and transgression, we must ‘walk’ in good works. Remember, good works are not the cause of salvation but the result of salvation.
When we do good works, we show our appreciation to God. These good works are rendered to our neighbour as Jesus explained in the parable of the good Samaritan. (Luke 10:25-37).
Find Out God’s Will
God created us for a specific purpose. But we cannot find or achieve that purpose on our own. We must determine what God’s will is for our life and obey it. Meaning, we must consistently pray and study His Word. Once we accept and obey His will, our lives will be more meaningful and fruitful. It will bless others, bring glory to God, who, in turn, will bless us.
I have what you call a ‘timid’ personality. I have suffered abuse, discrimination, bullying and disrespect many times. My self-esteem and self-confidence had gotten to points where I honestly believed I was a worthless individual.
If it were not for prayer, bible study, and the people God placed in my life to encourage and motivate me, I would be in a different place right now.
Journaling and writing have helped me to let go of the negative self-image I had of myself. I believe that one of the good things God wants me to do is use my writing to help others the way He has helped me.
Remember God created you beautifully. You are his masterpiece. Regardless of what you have done or how you see yourself, accept God’s grace. Look past your faults and weaknesses and use the gifts he has given you to serve others and do good works.
Prayer
Lord, I am sorry for the times I saw myself as worthless. You created me beautifully and for a specific purpose. Whenever I hated myself, I was sinning against you. Please forgive me. Help me to accept your grace in my life and use the gifts you have given me to go out and serve others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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