For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

Ponder It.
What is one piece of artwork, decoration, pottery, or handmade item you treasure?
Why is it important to you?
On a scale from one to ten, how much do you believe God treasures you?

Receive It.
We think of masterpiece as the end product, something we can touch. But it’s important to think of the Master who creates it. Without Him, there is no masterpiece. A masterpiece is literally a piece of the Master.

We may not think of ourselves as a masterpiece, because we look at our weaknesses, flaws, and struggles. But we’re not masterpieces because of what we can and can’t do or who we believe we are or aren’t. We’re masterpieces because God says so. He should know, because He created us.

When we try to define ourselves and value our worth apart from God, our assessment will always be wrong. We’ll give ourselves more or less credit than we deserve. We’ll think of ourselves as less or more than we should be. We even define what “should be” means. Instead, God says, “I purpose you. I give you meaning. I know your worth.” Then, He works in us and equips us to become who He intends for us to become. He doesn’t just look at the now; He looks at the tomorrows, our potential…not what we can become on our own, but who we can be in Him.

A masterpiece without the Master is just a piece. The Master completes it. It’s not complete when we decide it is. It’s complete when He signs His name and says, “She’s mine.” He’s already done that. He didn’t wait until everything about you is complete. He already knows. He still holds the paintbrush in His hand. He’s still working on you. But He loves you abundantly right now. He claims you as His right now. Live as His masterpiece. That’s who you are.

Live It.
Listen to the song “Hello, My Name Is” by Matthew West. You can find it on YouTube.com. Write “Hello, My name is…” on a piece of paper, then jot anything negative that comes to mind. When you’re done, cross each one out and write “Child of the one true King.” That is who you are. Claim your identity, then live out your name with honor.