Please stop calling yourself A HOT MESS!
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
I need to tell you something—and it might shake you a bit:
You are NOT a hot mess.
It’s time to stop saying it. Stop wearing the T-shirts and sipping from the coffee mugs that declare it. Stop introducing yourself to your friends, family, and the world as “just a hot mess.” And for heaven’s sake, don’t pass this idea down to your daughters.
Just stop.
Here’s why: every time you say those words, you’re speaking a lie over yourself. A lie that diminishes who God created you to be.
Girl, you are NOT a hot mess, you are God’s Best!
STUDY the Word.
Ephesians 2:10 is a key verse that deserves our attention so, let’s delve into its profound message.
As we read through Ephesians 2 verses 1-10, a central theme emerges: salvation is achieved through grace by faith. Our salvation in Christ is not earned through our own good works but through the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
However, when Christ works through and within us, salvation naturally leads to good works. Our hearts are transformed, becoming more like His, and our minds align with His. Consequently, our lives produce good works. These good works result from our transformation into a NEW CREATION in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:10 reveals that we are God’s workmanship. In the original Greek, the word “poiēma” signifies the work of God, the Creator, something meticulously crafted. The English words “poem” and “poetry” derive from this Greek word.
In Christ, with His Spirit residing within us, we are a new creation. We are God’s poetry, His Symphony, a harmonious blend of His essence and our own.
APPLY the Word.
We rarely feel like a masterpiece, do we? We look in the mirror and see all our flaws and mistakes. We can’t seem to get our act together, and the words “I’m just a hot mess” come out effortlessly. Do we realize that we’re criticizing God’s most excellent creation? Who are we to tell the Creator that He made a mistake? Who are we to dare say to the One who formed us from the inside out (Psalm 139) that our lives, our appearance, and our very existence are a mess? Lord Jesus, please forgive us!
Listen, I understand that society is telling you that you’re a hot mess. It’s constantly trying to convince you to buy the latest product to make you look “Ten Years Younger!” Our bookshelves are filled with “Christian” books that tell us we’re not good enough, but “This book will change your life!” The news, internet, and social media are filled with messages that make us feel less than, not good enough, not the standard, and never Pinterest-perfect.
Do you believe lies?
Do you value the voices of an idolatrous culture over the voice of God?
Have you settled in your heart and mind that you’re simply a hot mess? It’s time to make a change.
In his book The Genius of Grace: The Message of Ephesians, Sam Gordan says it this way:
"Each of our lives is the papyrus on which the Master is producing a work of art that will fill the everlasting ages with His praise."
Pastor Tim Keller eloquently says it this way:
"What is art? Art is beautiful, art is valuable, and art is an expression of the inner being of the maker, of the artist. Imagine what that means. You're beautiful, you're valuable, and you're an expression of the very inner being of the Artist, the divine Artist, God Himself.
You see, when Jesus gave Himself on the Cross, He didn't say, "I'm going to die so that you know I love you." He said, "I'm going to die, I'm going to bleed, for your splendor. I'm going to re-create you into something beautiful. I will turn you into something splendid, magnificent. I'm the Artist; you're the art. I'm the Painter; you're the canvas. I'm the Sculptor; you're the marble . . . ".
I'm the Composer . . . You are the symphony.
You are His Symphony, His most magnificent work of art, His poetry. Let that sink in the next time you call yourself or your children a “hot mess.”
“But Erika, it’s just a cute saying.” No, it’s not. It’s not Biblical and applies a cultural phenomenon to our Christian walk, which is dangerous.
Yes, there are seasons when you feel like your world is falling apart, and you’re doing your best to keep it together. I understand those seasons too. The kids are screaming, you’ve used dry shampoo for a week straight, pizza and McDonald’s for dinner every night, and you haven’t been on a date with your husband in two months. If you have to go to one more soccer practice, though…
I get it, and I understand that at those times, you may feel like you’re falling apart at the seams. But remember, we’re not called to do “all the things.” We can’t do everything and do it well. We’re trying to prove that we’re the best mom, wife, friend, neighbor, employee, and we’re falling short of God’s glory in the process. So, let me take the burden off your shoulders. Stop relying on your strength. It’s in God’s power that we’re made perfect in Him. It’s through Jesus that we’re a new creation—enough, complete, and made perfect in Him.
LIVE the Word.
God considers you His masterpiece, and when we label ourselves as “hot mess” or any other inferior phase, we disrespect His creation. His work is not substandard, and you are not inferior.
How do we embody this truth in our lives? The concept is simple: we transform our minds. (Romans 12:2)
We begin to shift the narrative in our heads that measure our worth against society rather than The Composer.
In theory, living out Ephesians 2:10 is straightforward. However, in practice, it becomes more challenging due to our sinful nature constantly seeking control. Paul explains in Romans 7:15 NLT, “I genuinely don’t comprehend myself because I desire to do what is right, yet I fail to do it. Instead, I engage in actions that I detest.”
Let's put this into simple practice.
Memorize Ephesians 2:10 so that when those self-deprecating thoughts come in, you can quickly combat them with the Word of God.
Notice those areas where your critical self-thinking springs up. At work? Stressful situations? A negative friend or family member? Remind yourself that what God says is the truth. Remind yourself that His words about you prevail over anyone else.
Go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to convict your heart when putting down His masterpiece. Ask Him to remind you of who you are in Christ Jesus.
Start today.
Start transforming your mind.
Stop telling yourself you are “a hot mess.”
My Dear Friend, You are God’s Very Best!
