Shining in the Shadow of God
The Apostle Paul describes the believer as an artistic creation when he says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10). Others have pointed out how the Greek word translated here as “masterpiece” is the same word from which we get “poem.” There’s no avoiding the conclusion, God has a beautiful plan for your life if you will let it bloom. You’re a poem.
I think of this verse regularly, often when I seem someone’s light shining brightly. It’s like there’s this divine seed of creativity placed within each human, that if watered, nurtured, and cultivated will grow into an amazing work of art that leaves us all a little speechless.
I’ve placed a video at the end of this post that makes me think of just that. Later the Apostle Paul tells us, regarding our salvation, that it is God who works in us both the desire and the will to work for his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). Surely this must apply to the whole of the Christian life as well, including our creative expressions.
The olympic runner Eric Liddell from Scotland famously said he “felt God’s pleasure” when he ran. In addition to being an athlete, Liddell was also a Christian missionary to China. He died there in a Japanese internment camp at the end of WWII. His life is a powerful testimony to his faith. It’s also inspiration for finding God’s grace in our giftedness. It’s a reminder to feel God’s pleasure in pursing his creative design in our life.
Sometimes Christian communities can make it weird or awkward when it comes to growing and showing our talents and passions. But the Old Testament makes it clear that those with pronounced gifts should indeed be given opportunities to bless others, even at the highest levels. King Solomon once wrote, “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men” (Proverbs 22:29).
This was certainly the case in the building of God’s Temple with Bezalell, the chief artist (Exodus 31-35). His name means “in the shadow of God.” The artist need not hide their gifts in a forced humility. They need not be embarased. They need to stand in no other shadow.
There’s a poem inside of you. Let it out.
Disclaimer: I wrote this after re-watching highlights of Kodi Lee on America’s Got Talent.