Art Imitates Life

Art Imitates life. Walking through an art gallery is scary if that is true. There are some modern artists that create bazar pieces, and Picasso must have seen life as fragmented and obscure. Of course that is just paintings. Film, sculptures, humor, and music are rife with examples of licentiousness and debauchery, greed and injustice, but then again life is a lot like that. It is a sad commentary. 

As followers of Jesus what would our art look like if it imitated us? What kind of painting would you produce? It is like the band D.C. Talk sang, "what if I stumble, what if I fall, what if I lose my step and make fools of us all?" In those moments when we think we are at our best what does our portrait reveal.

The Apostle Paul said that we are to be imitators of God. As his children we should reflect the image and instruction of our Father. So what are God's attributes?

1. He is Holy. Jesus said be holy as your father in heaven.

2. He is just. We are to seek justice for the oppressed.

3. He is righteous. We are to walk in righteousness and not sin.

4. He has anger. We are to be angry and sin not. 

Yet these are not the attributes that Paul commanded the Ephesians to pattern their life after, why? Because when it comes to conflicts in the church it is easier to become holier then thou, justify your own position, become self-righteous, and allow anger to turn into sin. But the softer side of God, when imitated, is more difficult (though not impossible) to pervert. We are to be,

1. Merciful as God has shown mercy.

2. Kind as God has shown us kindness.

3. Servants as Jesus has served us.

4. Loving and Forgiving as God in Christ has loved and forgiven us.

It is difficult to be at odds with people you pray for and reach out to in love. Paul says we are to walk in these characteristics. The imitation is a pattern of life marked with compassion. We are to seek daily opportunities to do good toward others and encourage them that they might find peace. 

Division and controversy within the church is a fragrance unpleasing to God. If you want to smell good to God then wear his cologne by crucifying your self daily and walking in love. The high call of unity requires sacrifice, not of ones rights over another's, but submission one to another in love. Reconciliation and unity is maintained when we are of the same mind and heart which is in Christ.

As the old saying goes, a picture paints a thousand words. What does your art work reveal about you? I'm just saying.

Ephesians 5: 1, 2 "Therefore be imitators if God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."