Masterpiece

Who really knows what a masterpiece is?

What is a masterpiece and how is it define? Who has the authority to decide what is considered a masterpiece and what isn’t?

My husband and I went to the movies one evening, after a grueling day of work. We decided to see the movie the Upside starring Kevin Hart and Brian Cranston. This amazing story had wonderful highs and lows that captured my attention and often left me thinking of people’s perceptions of who they think you are. I mean, if we would all be honest, although we’ve heard or perhaps have been taught never judge a book by its cover, can we truly say that we’ve lived by those principles.

How many times did you go in a store, looked at someone and assumed what they were worth? Ok, what do I mean? For example, a young lady walks in the store with a designer bag, cloths, and shoes, stepping out of a luxury car. We immediately think- she either has a high paying job, comes from a wealthy family or has rich husband. On the other hand, in the same scenario, if the woman does not look, nor have the same things, we immediately think she is poor or less fortunate.

Allow me to digress. I’ve experienced this type of response, before the most recent purchase of the car I have now. I drove a car that I had for over 20 years. The paint was chipped, the hubcaps flew off one by one, and because I had so much work done on it, my dashboard was taped together with black duct tape. Now keep in mind my car was ruby red with tan interior. My left window was stuck up so when I went to pay tolls or get gas, I had to open the door.

Ruby was what I affectionately called my car. Now, I know that my car should be described as “it”- but after 20 years- it became “she”.  Many of you reading can relate to what I’m saying and how I felt about my car. Go ahead, it's okay to laugh out loud. Although, she may not have been the prettiest and had a lot of miles on her, she was dependable. That car got me from point A to B. Yes, I know that’s not proper English; however, it is a fact. As a matter of fact, all my boys learned to drive in Ruby and my oldest is over 30 years old. Does that make the picture clear? When I drove up in my beat-up car no one looked twice. In fact, when I parked next to another car, I had a gut feeling that if they “inadvertently” hit my car it wouldn’t matter because of how it looked.

God has blessed me with the desire of heart, with the car I drive today. It’s not the fanciest car, but it’s a couple of steps above Ruby which was a Mitsubishi Galant. My current car is black on black and it doesn’t have hubcaps but rims. I no longer have to open my door because the window doesn't roll down. Now they all roll down automatically with one push of a button and the amenities go on and on. So now, when I park there is this slight confidence that I have that my car will be respected and valued. Why? Because of the make, model and how it looks.

Just like in the movie I spoke of earlier. The main character didn’t look the part, nor did he have all the skills, educational background or even etiquette to be given the opportunity that he was given vocationally. However, when given the opportunity of a lifetime, it totally shifted his mindset and allowed the innate gifts that were already in him to surface. Thus, leads me back to the thought of who can truly choose what is a masterpiece.

The character worked for a rich man and was exposed to exquisite art. Influenced by what he saw, while trying to find himself and his purpose he created what was in his mind “an artistic painting, a masterpiece”. I mean why shouldn’t it had been. It came from his thoughts, imagination, and most of all it was his creation. Well, needless to say, not everyone felt that way. However, the character felt so good about his creation, he replaced a "true" piece of art, according to industry standard, with his. It was placed on display for everyone to see.

During a social gathering, a gentleman noticed it and was told that it was a one of a kind masterpiece. Because he was told by a person, who was thought to be an art enthusiast, the gentleman paid $50k for it. Isn’t it interesting that based on the word of someone else, without even getting confirmation he spent $50k on something that wasn’t worth $50?

 So again, I ask, who has the authority to define what a masterpiece is or isn’t?

Masterpiece defined is a work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship. Based on its definition, who really knows. What human on this earth can truly define what a masterpiece is? Honestly, it is based on how one feels. It is an individual perception that influences many. Although, there are some undoubtedly unique and incredible treasures of art in the form of paintings, clothing, cars, jewelry, homes, etc.; we must not dismiss the fact that they're all based on man’s standards.

May I boldly suggest that the standards in which we see ourselves and one another should be through God's view. When He created the earth and all the living beings, He spoke them into existence. However, when it came to the creation of man, He formed him. Imagine, to create His masterpiece, He had to put His hands to work. God touched us. He's kissed us with the breath of life- by breathing life into us.

It's because of God that we exist! I often say that when we inhale and exhale, we are breathing God’s breath. To think, not only did God create everything, He intrinsically and distinctively designed us. We are His workmanship! Who really knows what a masterpiece is? The answer to the question is God! He truly knows what a masterpiece is, because He's the original artist. 

My challenge for you today is to embrace the truth that God's love for you is inexhaustible. You were not haphazardly designed. Everything about you has purpose! You are a Divine Design!  You are His Masterpiece!

I thank you, God, for making me so mysteriously complex!
Everything you do is marvelously breathtaking.
It simply amazes me to think about it!
How thoroughly you know me, Lord!
¹⁵ You even formed every bone in my body
when you created me in the secret place,
carefully, skillfully shaping me from nothing to something.
¹⁶ You saw who you created me to be before I became me!
Before I’d ever seen the light of day,
the number of days you planned for me
were already recorded in your book.
^17–18 Every single moment you are thinking of me!
How precious and wonderful to consider
that you cherish me constantly in your every thought!

Psalms 139:14-18 (TPT)