【双语灵修】我是还在建造中的杰作I AM A MASTERPIECE IN PROGRESS

以弗所书 2:4-10

然而，神既有丰富的怜悯，因他爱我们的大爱，当我们死在过犯中的时候，便叫我们与基督一同活过来。你们得救是本乎恩。他又叫我们与基督耶稣一同复活，一同坐在天上， 要将他极丰富的恩典，就是他在基督耶稣里向我们所施的恩慈，显明给后来的世代看。 你们得救是本乎恩，也因着信。这并不是出于自己，乃是神所赐的；也不是出于行为，免得有人自夸。我们原是他的工作，在基督耶稣里造成的，为要叫我们行善，就是神所预备叫我们行的。

5月8日

我是还在建造中的杰作

“我们原是他的工作，在基督耶稣里造成的，为要叫我们行善，就是神所预备叫我们行的。” - 弗 2:10

想象一个熟练的艺术家，正在塑造一件杰作。每一个细节都经他细心选择，为要启发欣赏、想象力等等。今天的经文提醒我们，我们是神的工作。祂把我们生命中的片段连接起来，造成一件荣耀祂的杰作。

在希腊原文中，这段经文中的“工作”和“诗歌”这两个字有很密切的关连。换句话说，我们被视为一件充满诗意的艺术作品；万有的主形成和塑造我们成为无价的珍宝。

然而，我们的目的不单是为了被摆放出来让过路人观赏。我们被形成和塑造，是叫我们“行善”。神在我们身上有要我们去履行和完成的目标和计划。

此外，神仍然继续在我们身上作工，我们是还在被建造的工程。神呼召和带领我们不断学习、成长、尝试和信靠，我们凭信心为爱我们的神而活，神让我们成为祂家里的人。无论我们是在捆干草，为考试温习，教导小孩，洗碗碟，创立网站或正在做数以百万计的事情中的其中一件——我们都要为主全心全意去做。神呼召我们要借着我们手所作的工，去指引人来到创造所有杰作的神圣主宰那里。

祷告

主啊，像一幅画布，或像是等待着艺术家动工的陶土、木块、金属、石块，惟愿我们能乐意接受你引领之手的领导。惟愿我们今天所作的和所讲的一切，都能归荣耀与你。奉耶稣的名祈求，阿们。

Ephesians 2:4-10

THURSDAY, MAY 8

I AM A MASTERPIECE IN PROGRESS

“We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” — Ephesians 2:10

Imagine a skilled artist, carefully crafting a masterpiece. Each detail is carefully chosen to inspire appreciation, imagination, and more. In our Scripture passage today we are reminded that we are God’s handiwork. He brings together the pieces of our lives to create a masterpiece for his glory.

The original Greek text for “handiwork” in this passage was closely associated with “poetry.” In other words, we are considered as poetic works of art. We are molded and fashioned by the Lord of all into priceless treasures.

But our purpose is not simply to be put on display and admired by passersby. Instead, we are molded and shaped “to do good works.” God has purposes and plans for us to fulfill, assignments to complete.

What’s more, God is still working on us. We are a good work in progress. We are called and led to keep learning, growing, trying, and trusting as we live by faith for the God who loves us and makes us part of his family. Whether we are bailing hay, studying for a test, teaching a child, washing dishes, creating a website, or doing any of a million other things—we are to work wholeheartedly for the Lord. By the work of our hands we are called to point others to the divine Master of all masterpieces.

Lord, like a canvas or a block of clay, wood, metal, or stone waiting for the artist’s touch, may we be open to your leading and guiding hand. May we bring you glory in all we do and say today. Amen.