Layers are an important part of art. They can not be rushed or haphazardly thrown together. Layers in painting create depth of color, value, and texture. Paper mache requires layers of paper in order for a piece to have strength & be able to retain its form. Layering paper is "THE" key skill in collage. Though layering takes different forms in different media, it has several things in common. First, layering requires forethought. The saying "Those who fail to plan, plan to fail." could have been easily spoken by an artist. Second, layering takes time. It is not a skill that can be rushed. Third, the process of layering may not be easily seen, but the finished results can be appreciated by the viewer.
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.). Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:7-14
In the story of the woman at the well, we are able to see the layers needed to connect with a hurting world. Jesus does not "Bible Thump" the woman he encounters. He finds a shared need/experience. He speaks to her with respect. He is positive. He is honest. He meets here where she is at, but does not judge her. These are the layers necessary for us today to connect to the world around us with the love of Christ. First, we must think through our faith and know how to accurately share our truth with others. Scripture speaks of being prepared in season and out of season (2Tim 4:2). Second, we can not rush. We must take the time to build relationships. If others know us and know of our faith walk, they might be more receptive to hearing about it as they see us live it out. Third, we may not see the individual layers yield what we think they should. The final result is in the hands of the Lord. We must be faithful with the time we have and the opportunities we are blessed to be a part. The Lord sees the big picture. We must trust him to work all things for his glory and his honor.
Do you see what role(s) you play in this "layering" process?
How can you be more purposeful?
