Here’s a thought.
The art of God in our lives, being beautiful in Jesus’ name.
The path of the Christian should begin, not end, at the spiritual disciplines as we allow those disciplines of prayer, Scripture reading and reflection, bowing in worship and obedience and a responsiveness to the direction of the Holy Spirit to bring our canvas to God’s workshop with the anticipation that we are part of his great plan.
- Undeniable.
We are the human figures he paints into his scenes of creation and redemption. He brings little, frail beings made in his image onto the scene to demonstrate who he is.
- So I say, “Be the art of God.”
God’s will in fact. “Be the art of God.”
- Let our spiritual disciplines create the art of God in our lives.
God plans and crafts, and we participate through prayer, Scripture, worship and a responsiveness to the movement of the Holy Spirit.
- Let God make us beautiful on the backdrop of forever.
Attractive beyond any contemporary trend we reflect the ultimate in beauty and function, the image of our Creator, the glory of God etched so deeply within us that we are absolutely stunning in the sight of God.
What joy his finished masterpieces will one day bring him displayed around the throne and the glass sea. What a venue to display his glory and love.
And sometimes the reflection is bright enough even now that people ask the reason for our hope.
So why not? Why not let our spiritual disciplines bring us to a point of beauty and ultimate usefulness and effectiveness in Jesus Christ?
- Fanciful you say.
Then I ask you this. Why would we expect God to craft anything less than absolute, magnificent beauty. His works everywhere else in creation are stunning. I worshiped yesterday watching thousands of feathered beasts (geese) descend to and ascend from a mostly frozen lake, disappearing into a winter sky on the western horizon, a horizon overwhelmed with the intensity and beauty of a sun he made.
- Undeniable truths.
- We are … God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do his works of beauty and magnificence.
- Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
- We have … Beautiful feet.
- Romans 10:15 (NIV)
And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
- We are … instruments for noble purposes … made holy, useful to the Master.
- 2 Timothy 2:20–21 (NIV)
In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
- Our beauty is unfading.
- 1 Peter 3:3–5 (NIV)
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands,
- We become his pleasure.
- Hebrews 13:20–21 (NIV)
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Frame of dust, beauty of God.
High calling. Treasured opportunity.
So be the art of God, friend.
Brush strokes of mercy and grace, sketches of love and righteousness.
Beautiful in Jesus’ name.
Look closely at the bottom right-hand corner of my canvas if you doubt.
Signed,
Jesus Son of God
