When asked which author he would choose to write his life’s story, author and activist Wendell Berry answered: “A horrible thought. Nobody. As the only person who ever has lived my life, I know that most of it can never be documented, is beyond writing and beyond words.”
Berry knows (and this is consistent in his writing) that each human life, each human story, is uniquely marvelous. The wonder of a life can never be captured in mere words.
David knew this truth even better than Berry. He reveled in the wonder of how he existed as God’s intricate creation, knowing that God “made all the delicate, inner parts of [his] body” (Psalm 139:13). When he considered his physical traits and his complex personhood (all the things that made him the unique person he was), David exclaimed to God: “Your workmanship is marvelous” (Psalm 139:14).
This may seem odd, or even inappropriate, to some. Are we supposed to think well of who we are—of our body or our personality? If we consider such things, aren’t we merely exhibiting pride? The psalmist recognized that we’re God’s grand creation, and we properly honor Him when we recognize how He reveals love, beauty, and goodness in and through us. While it’s true that we’re sinful and in need of God’s rescue, it’s also true that we’re splendid humans who bear God’s image and can radiate beauty to the world.
Many of us are concerned about dishonoring God by thinking too highly of ourselves (Romans 12:3). Fair enough. It’s also possible to dishonor God, however, by dishonoring His creation. We’re God’s craftsmanship—“God’s masterpiece,” Paul says (Ephesians 2:10).
You are God’s masterpiece. God takes delight in you. In you, God has made something truly good and beautiful.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 37:1-36
More:
Read Ephesians 2:10 and ponder the word masterpiece. What does this word communicate to you? What does it mean for God’s people to be a masterpiece?
Next:
When is it most difficult to believe that you reveal something profoundly good and beautiful? What kind of objections do you encounter when you begin to think of yourself this way?
jwch411 on January 21, 2017 at 3:10 am
How does one explain this to a child (or even an adult) who is incapacitated either physically, mentally or has developmental challenges, that he too, is God’s masterpiece, that God’s workmanship of him is marvellous?
hsnpoor on January 21, 2017 at 9:30 am
In all things attendant to this life, we have been gifted with the freedom of choice. We can choose to focus on our deficits to the exclusion of our bounty and vice versus. When we do, we short-change ourselves and dishonor God. God is both the giver and the sustainer of our lives. Though we may have physical and/or mental deficits, consider the amazing complexity of our working parts that allow us the functionality of life. Our hearts that beat to move blood through our veins; our lungs that pump to lend breath; without which we would not have life at all. The human body is an amazing organism and we don’t have to reach or look long and far to verify that truth and rejoice in it, even if some of the parts don’t work properly. But, the really good news is that because of what God has done in Jesus, those who believe will leave this wisp of earthly life and transition to life eternal in a glorified body that will not be marked or marred by any of the imperfections in our human bodies. Regardless, is it really possible for a holy God to create anything less than a masterpiece in anything he does, especially us?
jwch411 on February 2, 2017 at 6:14 am
Thank you very much hsnpoor for sharing your perspective.
Winn Collier on January 21, 2017 at 4:09 pm
I think that perhaps we don’t explain so much as demonstrate it, allowing love and delight to flow from us toward another. Sometimes language is too small. And everyone, whether they “understand” it or not, can receive the warm embrace and sturdy love of another.
jwch411 on February 2, 2017 at 6:17 am
Thank you Winn. I suppose this would apply in other situations too.
rick sonnier on January 22, 2017 at 12:20 am
Hi there JW. Even Paul struggled with that one. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 he shares with us that Christ’s power is made perfect in our weakness. Like Paul, I’m going to rejoice in my weakness so Christ’s power can rest on me. Hope that helps.
jwch411 on February 2, 2017 at 6:21 am
Hi Rick, it certainly does help to be reminded of this. God bless you!
seowps on January 21, 2017 at 6:07 am
Being God’s masterpiece means I am to be Christlike, to speak, think and behave like Him. I am to live a lifestyle in Jesus’ way, not the worldly way.
jwch411 on February 2, 2017 at 6:21 am
Thank you for this insight!
Gary Shultz on January 21, 2017 at 6:19 am
Hi Winn: I see Jwch411 comment and had to think of the same thing as I moved through the post. That possibly may show we are not close to someone like that….. For me, to view this practically, I must work from the other end. I must have a vision (faith) that God see us from an end objective. We see ourselves from the earth we know and grew up with. God see us from His home where we are going. He see us complete, and a child by the blood of Jesus Christ. For us it is impossible to envision such a massive group of people gathered by God. Yet, He has prepared and crafted each person unique, to His fashion and purpose. If we can’t believe or accept that, we won’t do well with our view of ourselves. We did not design ourselves, we were given life, body, and soul, and God offered us a living Spirit connection. God is making the “Masterpiece” we do well to read the instructions and talk to the Maker. Thanks Winn
hsnpoor on January 21, 2017 at 9:33 am
I say yes and Amen, Gary!
hsnpoor on January 21, 2017 at 9:34 am
I meant to add “BWO” before I hit submit….:)
Winn Collier on January 21, 2017 at 4:11 pm
Yes, it’s God’s doing, and we get to revel in this goodness God is crafting…in us.
jwch411 on February 2, 2017 at 6:26 am
Gary, thank you very much for your comment. Indeed, I must have a vision (faith) that God sees us from an end objective.
God bless you!