God's Work of Art

Philippians 1:6- “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the stories we find ourselves in. Often times, life seems to be marked by individual events (both positive and negative) that determine our path and define our identity. Birth, marriage, illness, shortcomings, adventure, vacation, death, achievement, failure, trauma, religion, education, and work are among many of the categories of events that make up one’s life. As can be clearly seen, these events help to shape human character and work to chart one’s course for the future.

When considering the events of one’s life, it is often easy to forget that there exists a bigger picture. The human story is painted with much broader strokes than we often times realize when considering our tiny place in the universe. The master artist began a work years ago, and has yet to complete his stunning success. This masterpiece details the story of a loving God and his relationship towards his precious people. One could call this remarkable image a portrait of human existence, designed and inked by the creator of the universe himself. And yet, too often the details get blurred as we live this life on earth. Human beings focus in on the events of the moment, and forget to take a step back and enjoy the bigger picture. Paul, in prison and awaiting death, writes the Philippian church to remind her that God began a good work and will complete it in Jesus. Possibly Paul wants the church to remember that life is bigger than the events of the moment. Perhaps Paul hopes that the church will take pleasure in God’s masterful work of art.