Unfinished Masterpieces

"I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6 NRSV

A sense of satisfaction comes when a task is done well, and we see it through to its conclusion. We exhibit pride in the accomplishment. If it's something we are really passionate about, we take what we have learned from that experience and use it to improve on the next task.

For example, an artist will experiment with different mediums and techniques, learning new things to incorporate into future works. While they may complete a piece, their work as an artist is not complete. They continue to study and practice daily, gradually evolving into the artist they hope to become.

The day we accepted Christ–the day the "good work" began in us is like an artist being given a blank canvas, brush, and oils. Where do we start? The blank canvas is our new life in Christ. The brush is the Holy Spirit. Finally, the paint is our words and actions.

When we first start, we may notice our brush strokes aren't quite right; they lack harmony, but with practice, they get better. At first, our colors may be too stark or too much of one, but we learn to blend and transition with patience and experimentation.

In reading and studying the Bible, we expand our spiritual palette. In meditation and prayer, we allow the Holy Spirit to direct our hands (and hearts) in applying the paint to our canvas.

We are all artists in the making with unfinished canvases. We are continually learning and perfecting the art of Christ. This is a healthy thing; we are moving on to perfection. The unveiling of our masterpieces is to be done when the Master of all Creation returns.

Creator God, thank you for the blank canvas on which we can paint our lives. We freely admit we're artists in the making. As we read your Word, may it expand our understanding of you, broadening the colors we see. May our words and actions be guided by the Holy Spirit. Please help us to become your masterpieces so that as others look upon our canvas, they may experience your beauty. In Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim