This week I had a new appreciation for the expression “variety is the spice of life” when I started to read an autobiography of a retired baseball player. For months I had been reading books that dealt with profound issues and thought-provoking questions, so I thought it would be good to read something different. It turned out to be just what my soul needed: a change of pace for my mind and encouragement for my spirit. “Major League Dad” is the story of Tim and Christine Burke, who experienced a number of serious challenges before they met and after they got married. Those who remember the Montreal Expos may recall Tim’s achievements on the mound, but there is so much more to the Burkes’ story, including their love for the Lord and the four children they adopted.

The Bible describes the church as the bride of Christ and each believer as belonging to a church family. Since joining a small group in our church, Karen and I have experienced many precious times of fellowship and prayer. We were even motivated to paint our study this week after seeing the freshly-painted dining room at the home of our small group’s hosts.

Have you ever thought about the spiritual lessons we can learn from painting? A can of paint either needs to be shaken vigorously when purchased or you need to stir the paint after the can has been opened. If we don’t turn from sin and seek God’s forgiveness, we will remain separated from God. After coming to Christ, we need to continue to forsake sin in order to be in a right relationship with God.

Before starting to paint, you need to gather the supplies that are necessary to do a good job (a tool to open the paint can, a stick to stir the paint, a brush, a roller, drop cloths and tape). In order to be an effective witness for Christ, we should study the Bible, meditate on His Word, memorize Scripture, confess our sins to the Lord, and pray before sharing our faith with others.

When you are in the process of painting, you must avoid making a premature assessment of the appearance of the surface being painted. After the first coat of paint has been applied, remember that what you see is not what it will look like when you have finished the job. As we mature in our walk with the Lord, He changes us so we no longer resemble spiritual infants. Communing with God is much more exciting than watching paint dry and the Lord will use His Word to equip us to face the challenges that come our way. If you feel stirred to share your observations about the spiritual applications of painting, I would love to hear from you. 

Thought for the weekend: “So in the end this great commandment to love your neighbor as yourself – this commandment quoted in the New Testament more than any other – boils down to five very elementary, everyday, ordinary commands: share, tell the truth, don’t take advantage of the weak, be fair, talk it out. Simpler than you might think. But still easier said than done.” – Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert (from their book “What is the Mission of the Church?”)

In His grace,

Steve