An Artist’s Heart
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
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. Psalm 139:13-14
Insight
Last night, to help unwind, our family sat down to put together a puzzle. Piece by piece, the picture on the box started to come together. Towards the end, we realized that we were a few pieces short. But, since we had devoted so much time and energy to this project, we were determined to find the missing pieces.
So, we tore our living room apart - flipping over couch cushions, looking underneath the end table, sweeping the toy chest. No luck. The more we racked our brains trying to figure out where they were, the more futile and pointless all the effort we put in felt.
At one point or another, we all ask ourselves, "Why am I here? What's my purpose? What's life all about?" Yet, as we rush through our days, deep within us resides an uneasiness as we realize our picture of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment remains a few missing pieces short of being complete.
We get so close but seem so far away. We race after anything and everything to fill the void but find ourselves getting nowhere. We do everything by the book but don't experience the happily ever after.
It seems fitting that the puzzle we couldn't put together was a picture of the emotions characters from the Pixar movie "Inside Out." Why? Because how we respond to the missing piece shows up in our emotions. Some get angry. Others display disgust. Some can’t shake away the sadness or fear that wholeness will never come.
The missing piece that allows the entire picture of ourselves to make sense is the love, grace, and forgiveness seen in the life of Jesus Christ. All our longings are for things to be made right, and the cross did just that. When we see the beauty of the cross, we see the beauty within ourselves.
Scripture speaks of us being "God's masterpiece." We are His work of art. God is a great artist, and His finest work is us. With every stroke, He painted us with purpose. Each brush swipe was intentional. God has a plan for us, and it was put into action even before we took our first breath. Just like a work of art reflects the artist's heart, our lives should allow those around us to see Christ.
Reflection
You are God's masterpiece. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? What makes you hesitate to believe this is true of you?
How can your life this week reflect the love of Christ?
Prayer
God, I don't see myself as a work of art, but that's what You say I am. I'm often more focused on my flaws, imperfections, and shortcomings. Remind me that You see me through the lens of grace. Allow my words and actions to reflect Your heart and speak to the life-giving freedom found in You and You alone. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.