CHRIST’S CANVAS

For we are HIS WORKMANSHIP, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them – Ephesians 2:10

Every believer is God’s workmanship – a masterpiece in progress. Our Father designed us to display the splendour of His Glory on the canvas of our lives. Our Lord Jesus saved us to become reflections of His Glory: “For whom He foreknew, He also predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Rom.8:29). This should be our utmost desire: to reflect the image of Christ to the world…to be His light to our world!

Unfortunately, we tend to live in a way that draws greater attention to ourselves than to His Glory. Our pursuit of possessions, positions, popularity, and power often overshadow His presence in us. Our careers, cars, clothes, ceremonies, luxuries and other success-toys often cast shadows on His masterpiece-in-progress. When life is all about us, it’s hard for people to see Jesus in us. When we live for ourselves, our shadow gets cast on the canvas of His Image in us.

When the Christians in Corinth were feeling too full of themselves, Paul warned them “that no flesh should glory in His presence” (1Cor.1:29). He reaffirmed what Jeremiah said, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD” (1Cor.1:31; Jer.9:24). This also means: he who boasts, let him boast only in the LORD. He is the Potter; we are the clay (Jer.18:6). A picture cannot paint itself; the glory belongs to the painter. A work of sculpture however magnificent didn’t mould itself; the glory resides in the sculptor.

Your life is like a canvas on which a picture is being painted. What would you rather have people see: the manifestation of the Lord’s glory or the shadow of your own ego? Would you wish to be displayed as the masterpiece of Jesus’ presence or the projection of your own profile? Your destiny is a painting created by God. You are a grand painting in progress. Do not allow your flesh to cast a covering shadow. Reflecting and manifesting His glory should be your greatest goal in life. Your life is the canvas on which others can see Jesus! Live to let Him shine His splendour and glory through you and be seen in you!