| “God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” |
| —1 Corinthians 12:18 |
When we think of the work of an oil painter, we often neglect to consider the artistic competence and sensitivity needed to prepare the paint used for the project. A good artist considers the pigments of color and the medium through which to use those colors. He or she also chooses between solvents for the viscosity (thickness) of the paint and the varnish that will give the appropriate glossiness to the finished work.
Perfumers also study their art by learning about the distinguishing characteristics of fragrances. Because of the keen sense of smell needed, the most skilled ones of these people get dubbed “Noses” by those in that field. Such perfumers know the strengths and power of each fragrance and carefully blend only those which augment the others.
Similarly, organists exhibit concern about what choices they make in registering the sounds for each piece of music they play. My first organ teacher quizzed me for the names of each pipe when I had my eyes closed. Is the sound a reed, a flute, a diapason, or a string? Does it match the intended mood the composer of the music requires for this particular piece? Is one stop too sharp to play alongside another because it will cover the sound or blend poorly?
God, the most creative of all artists, looks at His church in much the same way as these other professionals look at the works they produce. He desires to create something beautiful for His world out of the flesh and blood of His people in specific locations. Look around at your local church. God has placed people of various ages, various races, various abilities, and various limitations.
He has carefully gifted His people with talents and abilities, and with a wide range of life experiences. Children love to gather around old Uncle Pete because of his kind and loving ways. Grandma Pearl gets everyone laughing each time they talk with her. Roy has such knowledge of Scripture that people flock to his class. And, Ruby sings like an angel and brings the Holy Spirit near whenever the congregation hears her voice.
Carrie and Fred have owned a successful business for many years and they freely give of the wealth God has provided them. They love to see God’s church blessed through their giving. Beverly doesn’t have money or abilities to teach, but when she gets in the kitchen she blesses the entire congregation through the foods that she so lovingly prepares.
God also places His people in churches where they need growth and maturity—perhaps even through learning to get along with others who see things in opposite ways from them. He is creating a beautiful body of work for His glory. We should stand in awe of His workmanship.
Look at those in your church as instruments in God’s hands, as gifts to you and others, and see yourself in a way that makes you happy to share with others the qualities that God has given you. Stand back and look at the picture God is painting in your congregation. Take time to smell the aroma of His blessing. Pause in a quiet moment to hear the music of His joy in your midst.
Praise the Artist of Heaven today for the magnificently creative way He has blended the people in your church into a powerful force for His Kingdom!
