Have you ever wondered about your true value and purpose in life? The apostle Paul provides a powerful answer in Ephesians 2:10, revealing that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. This truth transforms how we see ourselves and our calling in the world.
What Does It Mean to Be God's Workmanship?
The word "workmanship" in Ephesians 2:10 comes from the Greek word "poiema," from which we get our English word "poem." This suggests that you are a creation, a piece of art handcrafted by the Master Artist himself.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" - Ephesians 2:10.
Just as Michelangelo believed that within every stone was a statue waiting to be released, God sees the masterpiece within each of us. You are made on purpose for a purpose. The text literally says that you're "a piece of work" - handcrafted by the master.
How Are We Different from Adam's Original Creation?
While we were originally created in God's image, Adam's fall marred that perfect creation. Sin entered the world, and we inherited a fallen nature. However, through Christ, we receive something even better than our original state.
When you accept Christ, you are recreated in Jesus. Your default setting changes from being part of Adam's family to being part of God's family. As Romans 8:29 explains, "For those whom he foreknew, he predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son."
The Master Mold: Jesus Christ
Jesus serves as our master mold. If we were cast like metal, Jesus is the mold. If we were constructed like a building, Jesus is the blueprint. If we were sewn like a garment, Jesus is the pattern. If we were printed like copies, Jesus is the original.
We have two natures - a dusty one from Adam and a heavenly one from Christ. God's desire is that we reflect more of the heavenly nature than the dusty one. Day by day, we should look less like Adam and more like Jesus.
What Is God's Master Plan for Our Lives?
The phrase "prepared beforehand" in Ephesians 2:10 reveals God's master plan. Just as when you're hired for a job, everything is prepared in advance - the desk, computer, break room - God has prepared good works for us to walk in.
This preparation isn't random. God has specifically designed work for each believer that matches their gifts, talents, and calling. The challenge is discovering what God has prepared for you and then walking in it.
Why Don't We Always Use Our Gifts in Church?
Many churches struggle with a common problem: gifted people who don't want to use their talents in ministry. A teacher who works with children all week doesn't want to teach Sunday school. A skilled organizer won't help coordinate church events. Yet these same gifts that serve employers could powerfully serve God's kingdom.
God gave you your intellect, health, dexterity, and abilities. When you reserve these gifts only for your employer while withholding them from your church, you're limiting God's work through you.
How Do We Reflect Christ's Work Ethic?
Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus constantly doing good works. People marveled at everything he did. John 21:25 tells us that if everything Jesus did were written down, "the world itself could not contain the books that would be written."
Unlike many of us, Jesus finished his work. On the cross, he declared, "It is finished" (John 19:30). Christ's work was for man's redemption, but the Christian's work should be for God's reflection.
As Matthew 5:16 instructs: "Let your light so shine among men that they may see your good works and glorify the Father which is in heaven."
What Makes Us Valuable Despite Our Flaws?
Consider the story of a man who lived in poverty, never knowing that a painting hanging in his tiny apartment was worth millions. He was a multimillionaire and didn't know it. Similarly, many believers live with priceless treasure inside them but don't recognize their value.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). A single human chromosome contains 20 billion bits of information - equivalent to about 4,000 volumes of books. You are God's crowning achievement, so valuable that when God created humanity, He said it was "very good."
How Can We Work Together in Unity?
An African proverb teaches: "If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together." This principle applies powerfully to the church. We need each other to accomplish God's purposes.
Paul warned the Ephesian church about people who would try to separate what God had brought together. These "reverse evangelists" preach people out of fellowship rather than into it. But God wants believers to stay connected and work together.
We all have the same basic needs - we laugh, cry, breathe, eat, drink, and sleep. We're all saved by the same Lord, washed by the same blood, and were all dead in trespasses and sin before Christ. This common ground should unite us rather than divide us.
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to discover and walk in your God-given purpose. Stop reserving your best gifts only for your employer while withholding them from God's kingdom. Ask yourself: "What talents, skills, or abilities do I use in my career that could also serve God's church?"
Remember that you are God's masterpiece, created for good works that He prepared in advance for you to walk in. Unlike Michelangelo, who left many works unfinished, God will complete what He started in you.
Consider these questions as you reflect on this message:
What specific gifts or talents am I using in my career that I could also use to serve God?
How can I better reflect Christ's work ethic in my daily life?
What steps can I take this week to discover or walk more fully in my God-given purpose?
How can I contribute to unity in my church rather than division?
God has no unfinished works of grace. He will bring to completion what He started in you. Your calling is to cooperate with His work, using your gifts not just for earthly employers, but for eternal purposes that bring glory to God and blessing to others.