Paul wrote:
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Look at that word “workmanship.”
“Just as the creation of heaven and earth (Gen 1: 1) was accomplished by God apart from human intervention, Paul asserts that all who are in Christ are God’s creation. He uses two different terms to speak of this new creation. The term here translated “workmanship” () could just as easily be translated “creation” (as the HCSB does). The term appears a handful of times in the LXX to simply speak of God’s material creation (e.g., Ps 92: 4 [91: 5]; Eccl 3: 11). Paul uses it this way in Rom 1: 20. In some contexts, however, there is more of an emphasis on the craftsmanship or design of the creator, such as the potter’s skill in creating a jar (Isa 29: 16) or the literary skill of a writer in composing poetry or prose (Philo, Moses 1.3; Planting 1.131). This usage has led some translations to render the word with terms like “masterpiece” (NLT), “handiwork” (NAB), or “work of art” (NJB). It is possible that Paul chose this word to emphasize God’s skillful and intelligent design.” (Clinton Arnold, Ephesians, 3575-3581 (Kindle Edition); Grand Rapids, Michigan; Zondervan)
The Christian is God’s masterpiece that He is building. When you get discouraged at life’s trials or difficulties, try to remember that God is allowing the hard times to bring good you may not see yet.
“My life is but a weaving, between my Lord and me; I cannot choose the colors,, He worketh steadily. Oft times He worketh sorrow, and I, in foolish pride, forget He sees the upper and I the underside. Not till the Loom is silent, and the shuttles cease to fly, Shall God unroll the canvas, and explain the reason why. The dark threads are as needful in the Weaver’s skillful hands, as the threads of gold and silver, in the pattern He has planned.” (The Tapestry, by Corrie Ten Boom)
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