“When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.” ~ John Ruskin

Only a Master can produce a Masterpiece.  A Masterpiece is by definition far above the norm and exceeds all expectations.  There is nothing common or ordinary about it.  Masterpieces are definitely not average.  They are well above average; they set their own standard of excellence.  Masterpieces are the picture of perfection.  Now look in the mirror.  God, the Master, created you to be His Masterpiece.  You are perfectly designed to do His good work.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

Now the phrase “…created us anew in Christ Jesus” is very significant in this passage.  Through faith in Jesus Christ, you are fully equipped and empowered to accomplish the work God has designed you to do.  As a leader, your work requires you to take others (other “Masterpieces”) with you on the journey.  Amazingly, we are each God’s individual Masterpieces created with divine purpose to work together to honor the Master according to our unique abilities and gifts.

With this in mind, the Apostle Paul gives us this warning: “Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves…Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body…In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.” (Romans 12:3-6 NLT)

Each day, it is your responsibility to humbly and intentionally grow as a leader, and to in turn, grow your team. Together, you can accomplish great things for His Kingdom.  As Christian leaders, we must be at our best today and every day.  You will never be at your best by accident.  You have to be intentional.

Leaders like to be challenged.  Every new day is another opportunity to learn and grow.  Who you become as a leader in the future will be determined by your habits today.  Every leader should have a leadership growth plan.  Ask yourself these three questions as a starter:  What fills my time?  What fills my mind?  What fills my soul?  Always take time to identify who is on the journey with you.  God will always provide the right people and the right resources for you to succeed in the plan He has for you.  Prayerfully seek out those who will help you grow as a leader.

People expect a lot from anything, or anyone, considered to be a “Masterpiece”.  To whom much is given, much is required.  Step up!  Become a confident leader and be intentional about living and leading at the level of excellence God designed you for.  Be a good steward of the gifts and abilities you’ve been given. 

God has included you in His Master plan. You are a Masterpiece, so make today a masterpiece day.