As my husband and I contemplate 24 colorful, shiny eggs in the bedroom, we sit and discuss the activity for our youth class Easter lesson, which just happens to include utilizing those little plastic eggs. The lesson of Easter is discussed every year, with particular emphasis during this extraordinary holiday. The story is always a miraculous one: Christ died for our sins, and 3 days later, he rose again. In the same way he died and lived again, we teach those who come to know the Lord that you die as one of the world and become alive again in Christ. As we were discussing the rest of the lesson, my husband said something very interesting in regards to our talents, or our gifts: "Every fisherman has his own custom ores."
Now for the past few months I have been telling my youth class not only to appreciate the cross, but the fish. I often draw a cross up on the board and say, "It's not just about this." I follow that by drawing the popular Christian fish, which I have dubbed the 'Jesus fishy,' and conclude it with, "It's also about this." This is where it tends to get interesting. As Christians, we know that we have the ability to influence people both in a positive and a negative way. One can just as easily go to the mall with friends and start swearing comfortably in front of each other (and in front of everyone around them, for that matter) as they can offer assistance to someone that they see who might be struggling with something. But of course, the world always tends to get in the way. The truth is, fishermen care more about the easily accessible riches in the sand on the beach than the fish in the water, which they need to bring in. But we're fishermen, fishing is what we're supposed to do. And we're not doing it.
When the Lord ascended to heaven, his last words to the disciples were to "...go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19.) This is what the Lord has commanded, but how many of us are succeeding in the mission He has sent us on? Is this not our purpose? Now, I'm willing to admit that most of us find this mission easier said than done for fear of rejection, so we usually find ourselves foolishly and timidly taking what we selfishly think is the easier route of living by judging rather than living by testimony. But the desciple James also wrote, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (James 1:22.)
But then you're too afraid to speak to the public, you say? The artists have forgotten about Thomas Kinkaid and Warner Sallman. Musicians have forgotten about Jeremy Camp, Rebecca St. James and Toby Mac. Teachers have forgotten about Billy Graham and Beth Moore. If you have a gift, then you can use it for your mission. The apostle Peter wrote, "Each one should use whatever spiritual gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."
As artists, it is important to not only satisfy ourselves. This is your opportunity to offer something great, to testify with the beautiful gift the Lord has given you. Have you thought about your testimony? Have you considered what your mission is as a follower of Christ? What can you give to others as the Lord gave his life for you? This is your custom ore; this is how you, with your lovely gift, can reach a world that follows the prince of the earth. Time is short, and as time passes more and more quickly, just as it was prophesied, so many of the signs of the end times are being confirmed very quickly. If you are willing, make this attempt with your gift. If you have truly opened your heart and invited Him in, you will enjoy working for the Lord.
Join us in the fantastic project: the Soldiers' March!
http://shouyume.deviantart.com/journal/23477576/
Now for the past few months I have been telling my youth class not only to appreciate the cross, but the fish. I often draw a cross up on the board and say, "It's not just about this." I follow that by drawing the popular Christian fish, which I have dubbed the 'Jesus fishy,' and conclude it with, "It's also about this." This is where it tends to get interesting. As Christians, we know that we have the ability to influence people both in a positive and a negative way. One can just as easily go to the mall with friends and start swearing comfortably in front of each other (and in front of everyone around them, for that matter) as they can offer assistance to someone that they see who might be struggling with something. But of course, the world always tends to get in the way. The truth is, fishermen care more about the easily accessible riches in the sand on the beach than the fish in the water, which they need to bring in. But we're fishermen, fishing is what we're supposed to do. And we're not doing it.
When the Lord ascended to heaven, his last words to the disciples were to "...go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19.) This is what the Lord has commanded, but how many of us are succeeding in the mission He has sent us on? Is this not our purpose? Now, I'm willing to admit that most of us find this mission easier said than done for fear of rejection, so we usually find ourselves foolishly and timidly taking what we selfishly think is the easier route of living by judging rather than living by testimony. But the desciple James also wrote, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (James 1:22.)
But then you're too afraid to speak to the public, you say? The artists have forgotten about Thomas Kinkaid and Warner Sallman. Musicians have forgotten about Jeremy Camp, Rebecca St. James and Toby Mac. Teachers have forgotten about Billy Graham and Beth Moore. If you have a gift, then you can use it for your mission. The apostle Peter wrote, "Each one should use whatever spiritual gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."
As artists, it is important to not only satisfy ourselves. This is your opportunity to offer something great, to testify with the beautiful gift the Lord has given you. Have you thought about your testimony? Have you considered what your mission is as a follower of Christ? What can you give to others as the Lord gave his life for you? This is your custom ore; this is how you, with your lovely gift, can reach a world that follows the prince of the earth. Time is short, and as time passes more and more quickly, just as it was prophesied, so many of the signs of the end times are being confirmed very quickly. If you are willing, make this attempt with your gift. If you have truly opened your heart and invited Him in, you will enjoy working for the Lord.Join us in the fantastic project: the Soldiers' March!
http://shouyume.deviantart.com/journal/23477576/
No comments:
Post a Comment