When I was in elementary school, I was given an assignment to draw some parrots. The teacher was so impressed (that may be a slight overstatement) that she hung my work in the art fair at City Hall.  When it came time to show off my skills to my parents, I got all gussied up and walked around city hall like I owned the place. Finally, after spending some time walking (i.e. strutting), around, I found my picture, pointed it out to my parents, and watched their faces light up. They were proud of my parrots. I was proud of my parrots. It was my handiwork—you might call it a masterpiece.  

God calls you a masterpiece. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship…” “Workmanship” is the same word we use for masterpiece. You are God’s masterpiece. You may feel more like an elementary school kid’s bumbling rendition of a parrot, but you are perfectly designed by a loving Father.  And we’re told that God is doing a good work in you. 

Sometimes when I look at God’s aviary, it’s easy to think he’s doing a good work with all the other birds.  I see the Master’s brushstrokes in everyone else’s feathers and flight pattern, but not my own. Paul warns us though:

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. (2 Corinthians 10:12)

Paul reminds us that comparison is about as wise as plucking feathers from an ostrich. It will likely get you hurt, and it’s no fun for the bird either. Besides, to assume that God is brushing up everyone else’s feathers but has somehow left you to figure out how to take a solo flight through life just isn’t true. God is working in you. So, go ahead, bob your head and spread your wings. You’re God’s masterpiece.