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).
A few days ago, after sharing this verse with my daughter, she asked me what a masterpiece was. Even though I’m an artist by trade, I still struggled to explain it in a way that a 6-year-old would understand. What I eventually told her is that a masterpiece is an artist’s favorite work. I asked her to think of all the drawings she had taped to the wall of her bedroom and to choose which one she was most proud of. Whichever one she picked was her masterpiece.
So how amazing is it that God, who created the entire universe—Redwood forests, the Himalayas, snow leopards—still considers you and me to be His favorite works of art? I like to think that God’s got pictures of us on His fridge, and whenever He invites the heavenly saints over for dinner, He points to my picture and says:
“Check out this kid! He was so messed up, but then My Son got ahold of him and now look at him. Talk about turning coal into a diamond. He turned out even better than I expected. He’s one of My masterpieces!”
Furthermore, it’s important to remember that a masterpiece doesn’t have to be a perfectly flawless work either. I heard a fascinating story regarding an interaction between the great composer Igor Stravinsky and one of his best concert violinists that illustrates this idea wonderfully.
Stravinsky had just completed a piece which he considered to be his masterpiece. When it came time for the musicians to begin practicing the piece, the violin player became increasingly frustrated. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t master it. It seemed impossible to get his fingers to move up and down the neck of his instrument in the manner and timing Stravinsky had dictated.
This man went up to the composer and humbly stated his concerns. “Mr. Stravinsky, the music is impossible to play. No matter how hard I try, I cannot do it perfectly. I fear I will ruin your masterpiece”
Stravinsky’s response to him was unexpected. “I wrote your part knowing no one, not even the best violinist in the world, could ever play it perfectly. But I am not interested in perfect. I am interested in hearing the beauty of your attempt at perfection. That will lead to the most powerful music. That will make it a masterpiece.”
My daughter’s art isn’t perfect, but I love it because she has put her heart into it. The violinist couldn’t play his piece perfectly, but Stravinsky loved his passion behind it. Your life is likely full of flaws, but God still loves you because you’re exactly who He created you to be.
So, the next time you are feeling down on yourself, just imagine your picture on God’s fridge. I bet you’ll find it right next to mine.
