What a True Masterpiece Looks Like

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
–Ephesians 2:10

When I was a senior in high school, living in London, I had the opportunity to go to Paris. As someone interested in art, I couldn’t wait to go to the Louvre museum. After all, that was where the Mona Lisa was on display. I wondered what it would be like to see such a renowned masterpiece in person.

The moment I saw it, I was amazed. I was also disappointed, though. Her smile had always seemed so…big. Yet, the entire painting is only 21 inches wide and 32 inches high. As the only piece of art on a large museum wall, the masterpiece could only be described as diminutive. While still beautiful, it was definitely not what I was expecting.

God’s idea of a masterpiece is also often different than what we expect. Our idea of a Savior was one of a king with a sword and jeweled scepter, yet God’s idea was to send us a carpenter born in a stable and crucified on a wooden cross. Likewise, we might be tempted to think our worth as Christian is based upon our worldly success or achieving prominence in a national or international ministry, but God may have something else in mind.

Ephesians 2:10 says that we are all unique masterpieces, purposed to do good works through Christ, which he has already prepared us to do. What qualifies you to be a masterpiece isn’t anything you do – it is what God has already done in you. You don’t have to be “big” in the eyes of the world. Even the smallest good deed, done in the name of Jesus, makes you a valuable treasure in His eyes.

The world will say beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, but from God’s perspective, beauty lies in the spirit of the Creator. When you have a heart transformed by the love of Christ and share it with others, then YOU are what a true masterpiece looks like!