We Are His Workmanship
Posted in Uncategorized- Ephesians 2:10
We have a unique design. We have been created for special purpose.
We have been prepared by God for a divine task. There is nothing shocking about these truths. All of us have heard these statements dozens of times in books and sermons. The problem is that we typically think of these statements in relationship to us as individuals. The focus of these statements and the passage in Ephesians is on ‘we’ not ‘me’. Together we are God’s workmanship, not simply me individually.
When you visit an art exhibit or tour a museum you will never find someone walking up to a painting and praising the painting itself. It would be ludicrous to see someone saying to a piece of art “You are so amazing” or “Your colors are so vibrant and your brush strokes are so smooth”. Instead, those that marvel at a piece of art want to know the name of the artist. Those who are moved by a poem want to know the name of the poet. Likewise, when people look at us as a community they should be inspired to know our God.
Keep in mind that you, individually, are simply a color on the tapestry and only a word from a line from a stanza of a poem. A color out of context from its painting does not marvel an onlooker. A word out of context from a poem does not inspire a listener. But God is the artist of His people who brushes our unique colors together into an awe-inspiring masterpiece. He is the poet who insightfully connects our individual words together into a noteworthy poem.
This is your design. You fit best in community with other believers. As a community you are designed to be this piece of art and this poem. As we live together in community with other believers from our neighborhood unbelievers will be compelled to marvel at our God who skillfully knit us together. God has determined the boundaries in which you live in your neighborhood (Acts 17:26) and he has a preplanned agenda for you to pursue with other believers in community (Eph. 2:10).The work that God has planned for you is to be accomplished with others in community! In other words, God’s purpose for your life right now is interconnected with other believers. Stop living an isolated life and begin to partner together with other believers to pursue God’s purposes.
by: Pastor Matt Moore
March 30th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Matt-
You and I make a great painting!! LOL
March 31st, 2009 at 6:53 am
I love this idea of us as a part of a painting. I tend to be a pretty prideful person, not realizing that I am only one color in this painting of so many others. Praise him! The mega artist!