Radiating the Beauty of the Master Artist with Cheryl Lutz
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10, ESV
It’s the year 1987, and I’m driving along South Padre Island Drive in Corpus Christi, TX, with Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun blaring on the radio of my fire-engine red Ford Mustang.
I’m heavy-eyed from partying all night and then hanging out at the beach that morning, soaking up the sun. Yet, my eyes shot wide open as I awoke with a start to realize my car had drifted, and I was headed straight for the concrete median in front of me.
I yanked the wheel and spun around, only to end up on the opposite side of the oncoming traffic. By God’s grace, I didn’t die that day or harm anyone else. But, just like that car, my life was spinning out of control, and my heart had drifted far from radiating Jesus.
I had lost my purpose.
What about you? Have you ever felt like your life was spinning out of control? Perhaps like me, you had professed faith in Jesus but, over time, found yourself drifting from the path. Maybe it was gradual at first, less time in the Word and more time entertaining the things of the world.
But it doesn’t take long to suddenly discover we’ve fallen asleep at the wheel and lost our way cruising far from God's calling on our lives. And all that striving for approval was in vain.
Ephesians 2:10 says that we are “God’s workmanship.” Every human being is crafted by the very hands of the Master Artist and Creator of the universe and designed after His image. But sin has stained the lovely canvas, marring the beauty. The good news is that when we receive Christ as Lord and Savior, the masterpiece is restored. We are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Our purpose and calling are to radiate Jesus to the world around us through our good works, not conform to their standards.
Friend, you don’t have to spend your life inventing your calling and purpose. Ephesians 2:10 likewise says that God has already prepared our good works for us, and we discover the path to walk in them through the Word and prayer. And the encouragement of like-minded believers who help us bring to light the gifts the Father has given us.
What about you? Have you drifted off course, trying to find validation from the world? Or are you anxiously searching for your purpose and calling? I invite you to stop striving and rest in the security of God’s embrace. Then, from a place of rest, we can walk in the good works that God has prepared for us, thus radiating the heart of Christ to a world in desperate need of hope.
Prayer:
Abba Father, I pray that our lives will be a collective masterpiece that displays the beauty of the Master Artist and that our good works will radiate the beauty of your Son to a lost and dying world. Amen.
Dig Deeper:
Read aloud Ephesians 2:1-10 and consider: How and why we are saved and what that means regarding our calling and purpose.
Discussion Questions:
What will your life look like if you stop trying to prove yourself through good works and instead walk out your calling from a place of rest?
What practical ways will you live as God’s workmanship this week? How will your good works display the radiance of Christ?
About Cheryl Lutz
Author & Speaker
While serving as a pastor’s wife, Bible teacher, and women's ministry director Cheryl sought validation through others’ approval. The endless striving brought her to a place of complete spiritual, physical, and emotional exhaustion. As the founder of Securely Held Ministries LLC, she helps women break the power of other people's opinions and find rest in the security of God’s embrace. Cheryl is married to her best friend and favorite pastor, Alan, who is semi-retired. They have four adult children and a bonus son by marriage, and Cheryl is a proud Mimi to her oldest daughter's dog and youngest son's cat!
