April 10, 2016

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: COMMITTED


There are times I just don't "get" art.  I have a bachelors degree, masters degree, and have been working in the arts professionally for almost twenty years, but there are still times where I just don't understand the concept, process, or media usage of an artist.  This is different from disagreeing with an artist's personal stance or not appreciating their aesthetic choices.  You can "get" it, but not like it.  That happens in things outside of the arts as well.  I'm speaking more of those things that you look at and just have to shake your head.  However, even in those moments...I can appreciate the artist's perspective and choices when they are committed to the work they are creating.  Seeing the passion of an artist for their art can sway me even in the midst of my confusion(sometimes).  Though I may not understand, I respect & appreciate the passion of the artist, and may seek to know more about their work, concept, process, and media usage because of their commitment to their work.



That is why I am suffering as I am.  Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.  1 Timothy 1:12

There are going to be times that you encounter people that do not understand you, your faith, or choice to be involved in church.  I've heard it all over the years.  I've had people tell me that they could not comprehend how an "educated" person could believe in God.  I've had people recount the horrible things that have happened to them at the hands of the "church" or "church people" (for which I am so deeply sorry for their pain and experiences).  I've literally had people shake their head at me and dismiss me when they found out I was a person of faith.

However, I've also had people who did not believe the same things I did give me an opportunity to share my perspectives because they saw the passion I had for God.  They did not dismiss me because I lived what I said I believed (though not perfectly...less hypocritically than they had seen in others).  I've had people accept me and my beliefs even though they themselves did not believe.  I have had people become comfortable enough with me to share their own thoughts on faith, and invite me to share mine with them because they saw it was very real for me.

We can not convert people.  We can not force anyone to see our view on faith.  However, we can live a life that is committed to what we say we believe, live it transparently, and passionately pursue the things of God in all areas of our life.  When we live our life "not ashamed" because we know whom we have believed..... people will notice.  They may not understand...but they might just start asking questions and try to figure out what the difference is in our lives.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, you have called us to live a life that is different from the world.  Help us to be true, real, and passionate about or faith in you.  Help us to live a life so authentic, that others have to ask questions about what makes us different.  Let us be your light.
In Christ's Name, AMEN

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