7.1.2015- I AM, the Creator
Iāve been learning a lot about Godās character over the past few months.Iāve been learning through books, through prayer, through worship music, through Scripture (primarily), and through the character of others in my life.
In Every Good EndeavorĀ (which I have recommended before and cannot re-recommend highly enough), Tim Keller led me to look at my future career as a graphic designer and how I can use it to bring glory to God.Ā
Iāve always been an artsy person. I love writing, doodling, singing, dancing, painting, crafting... basically, hand me a pen and paper and Iām in my happy place. Creating is one of the most fundamental parts of my nature.
But when I make something, I worry how others will receive it. Sharing my writing with others is one of the scariest and most nerve-wracking experiences in the world, to me. When I design for a client or for a class and show it to others to critique, it feels like I have bared my soul to them. The power to lift it up or crush it lies entirely in their hands.
Why? Maybe itās the immense time and attention Iāve devoted to every last detail. Everything it is composed of was a decision I made with intentionality and vision. Maybe itās that I crafted each piece with the purpose in mind of pleasing the friend or client. I want my friend to enjoy the canvas I painted and I feel that if I like it and she doesnāt, itās somehow a reflection on her feelings toward myself.
If I feel that way about my meager creations, how much more does God, the Ultimate Creator, pour of Himself into His creation?
He made this worldĀ āand saw that it was very good,ā filled with good gifts for His children to enjoy. When I look down upon someone because they annoy me, Iām overlooking their good qualities that are a shadow of my Creatorās; when I reject someone who is difficult to get along with, Iām rejecting God.
āTruly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.ā
āThen he will say to those on his left, āDepart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,Ā I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.āĀ
They also will answer, āLord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?ā He will reply, āTruly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.āāĀ Matthew 25:40-45 (NIV)