Masterpiece

Day 4

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. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

              My grandmother was a professional cake baker for over two decades. Her eggs had to sit on the counter for a certain amount of time, and the butter couldn’t be used until it was exactly soft enough. Even the temperature in the house and the level of humidity mattered. And if for some reason the cake didn’t mix or cook correctly, even if it tasted fabulous, she’d throw it out and start over.

              On any given day, there could be hundreds of ornate frosting flowers piped onto baking sheets scattered across flat surfaces. The icing had to be a certain thickness and texture. After sitting at room temperature for several hours, she’d then freeze the blossoms for future use.

              Granny wasn’t just a baker who made cakes for a living. She was an artist who created intentional masterpieces. Every step was carefully calculated and each part of the process intentionally completed. There were no shortcuts or easy fixes. The right way was the only way to make her amazing cakes.      

              The last wedding cake she made was for my wedding in 2004. Five tiers cascading in a spiral, each section of cake frosted in an intricate basket weave pattern. Clusters of her famous frosting flowers placed in groups along the way. There is not a word grand enough to describe the intense attention to detail she included. Her final masterpiece for her only granddaughter. Talk about feeling special.

              In Ephesians, God calls us his masterpiece. Every detail of each of our lives has been intricately fashioned by his artisan hands. Nothing was overlooked. Every interaction and important moment was planned with purpose.  Our gifts, talents, passions, dreams, and interests were all crafted for each individual based on their placement in life. He did that for me. For you. And for our students.

              Our students are God’s masterpieces. They are each original in their design and have been placed under our leadership for this season for a reason. Each of them have their own personality, temperament, feelings, thoughts, creativity, gifting, and soul. Unique and special to our Heavenly Father.

              Think about an art curator who has been given the task of tending to the Mona Lisa. Every move is calculated. Careful attention is given to unnecessary human touch that could damage the original work. Staged maneuvering. Focused cleaning with only the best products. Gentle moves and handling. Pride in getting the opportunity to engage with such a masterpiece.

              Is this how we interact with the students in our care? Do we treat them as the masterpieces of God that they truly are?

Do the Heart Work

1.      Do you see the students in your class as the masterpieces they are? Why or why not?

2.      Whether we believe it or not, we are God’s masterpieces too. Are you treating yourself like God want his masterpiece treated?

3.      How can we show value to others on a regular basis?

Digging Deeper            

Read these verses and think about what it means to be God’s masterpiece.

1.      For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV) 

2.      So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 (NIV)

3.      Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NIV)  

4.      Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

We are cherished. Loved. Chosen. Masterpieces. Whether we have been able to embrace this reality or not, this is a piece of our identity in Christ.

If You Get Spare Time 

              Spend a few minutes thinking about the negative things about yourself and others that seem to stand out. Why does the negative shine brighter? What changes can we make to our thinking patterns? Choose one of these scriptures and try to remind yourself of its truths any time the negative tries to win.