Handcrafted by God (His workmanship)

Today, we’re going to be exploring a very popular verse of scripture. Ephesians 2:8-10. Specifically, verse 10.

 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them

You see, the apostle Paul begins by telling us that we’ve received a precious gift from God – the gift of Salvation. He proceeds to tell us that we are now His workmanship, created for good works; but what does it really mean to be His workmanship?

By dictionary definition,  workmanship is an art, skill or special technique of a workman. Workmanship indicates the good or bad quality of something created, made or produced.

All through scriptures, we see various examples of workmen, popular examples are Bezaleel and Oholiab, scripture records in Exodus 31:2-6

Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.  I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!“And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make.

Another example of a workman in the Bible, is God himself. Genesis 1:1 & 31

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

What then does it really mean to be God’s workmanship? Going back to the Ephesians 2, we see two noteworthy things:

1.         Identity in Christ – You are His workmanship.

2.         Purpose -  Created to do good works.

To be God’s workmanship means that we are the result of His creative and purposeful work. Each of us is a masterpiece, lovingly fashioned by God’s very own hands. This identity is not random or accidental; it is intentional and filled with meaning. God designed us intricately and with specific plans and purposes in mind.

As God’s workmanship, we are called to steward our gifts and talents, using them to serve others and fulfill the good works he has prepared for us. Imagine the significance of being made by God’s own hands. It means that our lives are imbued with inherent value and worth. We are not just products of chance; we are the intentional creations of a loving and purposeful God. This reality affirms our significance and calls us to embrace our unique design and calling.

Being God’s workmanship means that we are created with a purpose. Our lives have meaning and direction because God has prepared good works for us to do. These good works are not burdensome tasks but fulfilling and life-giving opportunities to reflect God’s character and love in the world.

To be the best workmanship, there are a few qualities you must embody:

• Faith - you cannot serve or have a craft in something you do not believe in. Therefore, your faith is your strongest quality or tool to being a better workman. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him

• Seeking His Guidance -  being His workmanship means doing the will of the One who made you. The only way to fulfil His purpose is to actually know what it is. Revelations 4:11b for You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created

• Walking in Obedience – the workmanship simply follows the molding of the workman; whether it is convenient or not convenient, it simply obeys. Like the clay in the hands of the potter – you simply move at the wheel. Isaiah 64:8 But now, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.

To wrap this up, we have been created as His workmanship, for a unique purpose. The life we now live is not ours to live. Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

We must do His will, walk in His love because this is how we know that we truly love Christ.

Writers Credit:

Oludotun Ayomide Oyelana