“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 (NKJV)
The Greek word (poiema) used for workmanship highlights God’s skillful and artful creation, giving immense value and purpose to believers. Thus, valuing what God has given is about acknowledging and appreciating the blessings and gifts in your life, whether they are material possessions, talents, relationships, or opportunities. It involves being grateful for what you have and using it wisely, rather than taking it for granted or focusing on what you lack.
One should show:
A. Gratitude: Recognising that everything you have is a gift from God and expressing gratitude for it is crucial to valuing what He has given.
B. Stewardship: Being a good steward involves using your talents and resources wisely and responsibly – another aspect of valuing God’s gifts.
C. Contentment: Being content with what you have, even if it is not everything you desire, is a sign of appreciating God’s blessings.
D. Faithfulness: Being faithful in using your gifts and resources to serve God and others is a way of demonstrating your appreciation for His blessings.
E. Spiritual Growth: Valuing God’s gifts can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Him.
Additionally, there is:
- Purpose and Design: Rather than thinking you’re a random occurrence, know that God intentionally creates every believer for a specific purpose to live a life of good works.
- Freedom and Responsibility: Saved by grace, believers are then free to fulfil God’s design by doing the good works prepared for them, which brings joy to Him.
- Christian Conduct: Good works are not optional, but are the natural and expected pattern of life lived out in faith, demonstrating the reality of God’s new creation.
Don’t undervalue the value that God has given you. When you are who God created you to be, you don’t need to worry about being someone else. Live out your purpose, be an artist of God’s work, and make good works a habit.
Brethren, embrace who God created you to be and use the special blend of gifts and talents that He has entrusted to you. Your worth is invaluable, and your potential is limitless because our God is limitless, and we are created in His image.
Step up from the shadows and step out into greater things as you step onto the platform of your God-given gifts and strengths!
Read: Genesis 1:27; Matthew 10:31
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 119:25-32; 2 Thessalonians 1; Jeremiah 27; Jeremiah 28; Jeremiah 29:1-23