One of These Things

We’re all masterpieces created by God. He imparts His spirit into our beings, speaking to the fact that we are pieces of the Master. When we read Genesis 1:27 we find these words: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (KJV).

Many of us spend too much of our time trying to compare ourselves with others, producing a desire to be like or slightly better than others. The end result is a multitude of spiritual beings chasing physical attributes and identities to reflect others who have been created rather than striving to reflect the image of the Creator, whom we were genuinely created to resemble.

I’ve learned and continue to learn that my journey reflects the process of God weaving a beautiful tapestry within this life, which He has entrusted to me. Each experience provides strands of color that will be included as He continues to produce an awesome work of art. Maybe He adds colors of green and gold for the wonderful opportunities for accomplishments. In times of confusion, there are colors such as taupe and gray. When I experience difficult or trying moments, the Lord includes deep hues of indigo and burgundy. And as I celebrate milestones and victories, He splashes vivid colors of red, orange, and purple. At least that’s what I imagine.

What I know to be true is that God doesn’t allow anything to be wasted. There are many events that we perceive to be great or horrific. We may or may not have contributed to the good or bad, but the Lord makes certain we are able to benefit from it all, not just for our personal well-being but for the greater good of the body of Christ as a whole.

“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NRSV). As you reflect upon the idea of being fearfully and wonderfully made by God and understand that all you’ve endured contributes to this tapestry, please remember that the authentic you has been included as an integral part of what the Lord intends to use to complete His Kingdom.

What if you decide to create something beautiful to reflect who you are and to make a tremendous impact on the world to benefit mankind? That may be composing a song or writing a poem or a play. You may be preparing to create a beautiful quilt or sculpt a magnificent work of art. Once you’ve decided to make your life’s unselfish contribution to bless others, what happens if you begin the work and discover that the necessary resources you assembled are not present because they have been altered from their original state?

That’s the situation we provide for God whenever we choose to behave in a manner that is not genuinely who we are. In order for us to be part of the beautiful design that the Lord has meticulously prepared, we must live authentically. By doing so, we will discover a joy, peace, and sense of fulfillment that we would never experience otherwise. We also honor our Creator as we align ourselves within His plan to receive His blessings and subsequently become a blessing to others.