September 16, 2018

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: GET REAL

Growth as an artist often develops while attempting new things, experimenting artistically, stepping out of one's comfort zone, pursuing different media or techniques..etc.  However, as one explores they are also defining their artistic voice, values, style, and aesthetic.  This is what sets us apart from other artists.  Though similarities may exist, an artistic fingerprint is developed by the artist truly pursing their work.  Even as I explore, many characteristics of my work will carry over.  I could attempt to mimic another artists...losing myself in their style & methodology, but the results would be a poor substitute.  We must be true to ourselves & seek opportunities to grow that do not sacrifice our artistic integrity.  We must get real!  Pretending to be something you're not will be seen. 
Even a good fake is revealed in the end.


I want to look at the story of the Good Samaritan....minus the Good Samaritan!

"A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers.  They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.  A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man passed by on the other side.  So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side."  Luke 10:30-32

Doesn't seem to have the same encouraging/uplifting message if you remove the Good Samaritan from the story does it?!?  

Who are you?  What are you all about?  In this section of scripture,  Jesus uses the Priest & the Levite as examples of those who "claim" to be religious leaders, but their actions do not reflect their titles.  Though we might shake our head at these two individuals & their response to the man in distress...are we really that far removed from being them?  There are many people in our world who claim to be Christians, but nothing about their life truly reflects that title.  They may able to talk the talk & play church, but you can not see the REAL results of one who has come into a personal relationship with God.  When the stress comes, desire to get ahead presents itself, or undesirable situations are within their abilities to assist...they pass by on the other side.  They cannot continue to be something they are not...it just isn't in them.  What are the characteristics that show up in your life that reflect Christ?  What are areas you still need to develop?  He who started a good work in you is faithful to continue (the Mr. E paraphrase of Phil. 1:6 ha ha).  GET REAL!  What side of the road are you on? What side do you want to be on??

1 comment:

  1. Great observation! Same thoughts as this listening to the Puerto Rican chef Andre speaking of his activities after hurricane Maria. He spoke to students telling them to volunteer and give help in cummunity wherever they are. Same for us in schools.

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