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RADical Living

Realization

"For we are God's masterpiece.  He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10 NLT
 

Artists do not stir colors and willy-nilly splash paint on their canvas', sculptors do not mindlessly hammer into a rock to sculpt a statue, potters do not lump mud together to form a figure, nor does a composer or songwriter randomly jumble notes together to create a song. Instead, they use a palette to mix hues, modeling tools to mold clay, chiseling tools for carving stone, or notes and timing to compose symphonies.  They imaginatively (vision) and work (action) to develop their masterpieces of art while envisioning the outcome in their heads, hearts, and hands.  They take care to manage their creations in a manner that honors their God-given gifts and talents.

  

Who is more known for his artistry than God? Creator, Originator, Director, and Sustainer, He formed the earth, peaked mountains, hollowed valleys, set the moon, sun, and stars; watered the seas and placed its occupants; the birds in their dwelling place, as well as the seasons with its changes and weather:  rain, clouds, wind, snow, hail, storms, and heat. (Job 38-39).  It may take artists many years to complete their works of genius, and God did create man, the earth, and the fullness therein in seven days.  But, He takes our lifetime to continually build our strengths and equip us through our experiences as we realize our gifts, talents, and skills.  God does not haphazardly splash paint on the canvas of our lives, but as an example to follow, He intentionally, purposefully, and with meaningfulness designs our existence until eternity and supplies us with tools for successfully living as His portraits in progress.

Accountability

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.  If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.  To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.  Amen.  1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV

Spiritual gifts, individual and professional strengths, talents, values, and principles are given to God's partners (believers) in the ministry for building the body of Christ and the expansion of the Church.  The key is to remember there is a mission linked to each in their various forms for serving others and the cause of Christ.  In other words, a believer's call, vision, gifting, purpose, and mission are directly linked to a divine missional partnership with Christ to reach others.  In this union, members of the Church become an extension of God's love toward humanity.  Like Christ, one gives their life in exchange for another to have an abundant life.  It is an excellent chance to appreciate, demonstrate, and reciprocate devotion to Him who loves first.

 

"Your talent is God's gift to you.  What you do with it is your gift back to God." - Leo Buscaglia

Determination

Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life's distractions. Watch where you're going! Stick to the path of truth, and the road will be safe and smooth before you. Don't allow yourself to be sidetracked for even a moment or take the detour that leads to darkness.  Proverbs 4:25-26 NIV TPT

Deciding to abandon a life of mediocrity, an existence without purpose, and a presence void of significance can only happen when the decision is made to go all in.  A quest to become God's masterpiece entails posturing ourselves for sketching, positioning ourselves for molding, and persevering during the chiseling.  It is engaging your head, heart, and hands, serving as vehicles through the process of becoming a new creation – God's masterpiece.   When we commit our heads to the journey, we do not procrastinate, do not look back, nor put off God's kingdom for tomorrow, but rather we will seize the day as prescribed by Jesus in Luke 9:62.  We pledge our hearts to the process, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.  My soul thirst for God, for the living God.  When can I go and meet with God?" Psalms 42:1-2.  And we put our hands to the task knowing, "We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us.  The night is coming, and then no one can work." John 9:4.

Peace and Blessings,

Dr. Gina E    

 

 

Copyright © 2021 by Gina E Johnson

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