But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 1:4-10 ESV).
The picture I’ve included was taken a year or so ago. It is the “before and after” of a candlestick I made from a piece of firewood. I often lightheartedly say that I let the wood tell me what it wants to be, though that is entirely true. I do begin with a simple piece of wood, sometimes wood right off the firewood pile. As I begin to work with the wood I notice the characteristics of the wood, things like the grain and general shape. From that information, I can determine what I may fashion best from it. Some would say that this is a part of the artistic prerogative when creating something. I do not claim to be an “artist,” though I certainly enjoy making things from wood.
It is interesting to note how often we forget the artistry of God in our lives. Our reading today describes believers as “God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” In this context “handiwork” can also be translated as “work of art.” We are unique and special creations in God’s eyes. Of course, I’m not saying that doing good works earn us our salvation. We are saved totally by God’s grace. Rather, doing good is an exciting way to live out our faith and express our gratitude to God for his gift of grace and deliverance.
This month perhaps it would be profitable for you to ask what you can do as God’s handiwork to show how thankful you are to the Lord for his salvation. What good works do you see prepared for you by God? Maybe you can volunteer at your local church or food pantry. Maybe you can help an elderly neighbor. There are many people out there who are hungry for God’s love and our care. This is just the expression of beauty that God desires for each of us in our own unique way to show His glorious majesty to others. If you’re having difficulty figuring out what “that thing” might be, call your church minister and ask what they think might be of help in serving others.