"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others" (1Peter 4:10).
Imagine the best painter in the world at work on a masterpiece, a mural perhaps. He skillfully mixes his paints and plans the scope of the painting. He prepares the brushes and surface of the wall to best receive the paint. He begins to paint.
What might happen if a child stops by and asks if he could paint too? We would expect the child to be denied. But suppose the painter instead gave the child a brush and some paint and instructs him on where and how to apply the paint. What an amazing privilege that child would be given!
God is like the master painter, and we are like the child. God is painting the big picture, making His kingdom come through Jesus. Yet, He graciously allows us to participate. In Christ, God opens the door to His presence and brings us in. All through our lives He molds us in the image of Jesus, giving us gifts and instruction for service in His kingdom. He gives us privilege of using His gifts with Him at our side.
Peter shows us how great the goodness of God is. Not only does He give us the honor of serving our neighbor in His name, but God also gives us the resources needed to do so. Nothing is lacking, so that in all our faithful service we rely not on ourselves, but on Jesus, who lives in us and gave Himself for us.
The Lord is not ashamed to call us His own dear child. The Lord is not ashamed to allow us to "paint" in His kingdom, in fact, He desires us to do so.
-Dale
Great devotional Dale, thanks!!!
Thanks Dale!!!
I love the wonderful analogy of God being the painter Dale!!!
We are truly blessed to have Him as our mentor, and be His apprentices!!
God Bless,
David B.
Very Good Dale!
Mike