EMBRACE YOUR VALUE

Today’s Focus: God is refining you so that you will stand out as a person of value and authority.

Much has been said about the image of God as a potter.

There are several famous gospel songs and hymns about being shaped by the Potter. T.D. Jakes, one of the most well-known preachers of our day, named his church The Potter’s House.

While most of us have never sat behind a pottery wheel, it’s not hard to imagine God as a gifted craftsman, turning something messy into a masterpiece.

We can see the clay, the water, the lump of dirt and mud slowly being formed into something that resembles an actual vase, cup, or plate.

It is a beautiful process - one that we creatives embrace and celebrate.

But, imagining ourselves as the clay? That’s not as appealing.

The clay doesn’t get to choose anything.

The clay is smashed, thrown around, and conformed without pity or mercy.

The potter doesn’t ask the clay what it wants to become.

In the same way, you may feel like God’s creative authority is heavy-handed and unyielding, like the potter’s hand.

In some ways, that’s true, but that perspective leaves out an important point.

While the clay isn’t in charge, it is given far more value by the potter than it ever had as dirt and mud.

Your true value isn’t in being in charge.

Your value was verified when you were scooped up by the hand of the Creator and formed into something beautiful.

The lesson here?

Be willing to be molded.

Be willing to endure the discomfort of God’s process of refining and changing you.

The potter has so much more wisdom and knowledge than you, and the molding is designed to make you better, not bitter.

Today, recognize the worth and value that your Creator places in you as a result of His very intentional work.

Scripture calls us His masterpiece, and a masterpiece isn’t left in the dust.

It’s displayed for the world to learn from, admire, and be challenged by.

That’s the goal of any great piece of art.

So in one sense, you’re a work of art being molded by God.

But in another sense, we as artisans are helping to mold the world around us to better reflect God’s glory.

It’s in your creative work that you transition from being formed on the potter’s wheel to helping to transform the world around you.

Your influence and authority are evident because you’ve been created intentionally.

Since you are his workmanship, make an effort today to have the same effect on the world that the greatest pieces of art do. Inspire people to seek out the ultimate Creator.

ACTION STEP

Make it a point to find opportunities to display God’s attributes - kindness, love, excellence, etc. - through your daily work and interactions.

Whenever you’re tempted to hide or dim your influence, remind yourself of Ephesians 2:10 and be bold in displaying the masterwork that God is creating in and through you.