Day 38: The Painter

Most people in life know their strengths. Whether it is their looks, athletic talent, or business skills, if you ask someone what their strong points are, they are quick to reply. They are also quick to take credit for their skills, whether they realize it or not. We live in a society that teaches us to praise people who are beautiful, skinny, successful, unique...you name it. 

Have you ever seen a really beautiful painting? One that just makes you stop and ponder and enjoy the detail of the strokes? Imagine you're in an art gallery and see a breathtaking painting an artist is displaying. What would your natural reaction be? Mine would be to compliment the painter on their skill and tell them how lovely their work is! 

As natural as that reaction seems, the world has developed a rather unnatural manner when it comes to beauty in human form. When we see a beautiful person, we compliment them. But really, they are the product of an artist at work, and that artist is God. Imagine being in that art gallery and walking up to the painting and saying "wow, painting on the wall, you are so beautiful. Good job making yourself so great." Notice how silly that sounds! But, we've all fallen into that trap with the beauty around us. Whether it is a beautiful person, a breathtaking mountain range, or a serene sunset, we end up praising the creation instead of the creator. 

God is the painter of all we know and see in this life. If a person is beautiful, it is only because God has painted them in a combination of strokes that is pleasing to the human eye. If an ocean is a perfect shade of blue water, it is only because God painted the ocean that way. He is the painter of creation and it is about time we start praising the work of His skilled hand! 

"We are the clay, you are the potter. We are all formed by your hand." 

-Isaiah 64:8