There was an interesting story in today’s Our Daily Bread:
The Renaissance artist Albrecht Durer became famous for his talent at age 20. The art critics of his day called him ‘the greatest mind that ever expressed itself in line.’ As his fame spread, influential people tried to hire him with promises of luxury and ease…In what experts consider to be his best self-portrait, Durer mingled his physical characteristics with what he thought Jesus might have looked like. He painted himself with long wavy hair, a beard, and eyes that seemed to convey a sense of purpose. While many assumed this was the artist’s prideful opinion of himself, others who knew him believed Durer wanted to live a life that would allow people to see Jesus in him. (edited for length) (August 31)
Two things stood out to me:
- There will always be people who misunderstand or misstate our motives. Let them be. They don’t know our motives. Besides, we won’t/can’t please everyone.
- (And most importantly) I should be reflecting Jesus in every way. Of course, I can’t do that physically. Neither could Durer. But his intent is easy to see. May the reflection of Jesus be so evident in me that all people see is Jesus not me.
John’s words apply here: “He must become greater and greater; I must become less and less.” (Jn. 3:30 NLT)
It is easy to jump to conclusions too quickly. While we try to understand the motives of others, we must check our own.
Honestly, if we focus on your second point, it is likely the first may not be as much of an issue.
You got the point without me saying it Ryan! All else doesn’t matter if the second is our focus.
Great post to start off the week. Father may we all reflect the glory of God, in all we do and in all we say. May Christ within us all be all that the world sees, when they see us. Amen 1Timothy1:17
AMEN to your prayer Gail. Thanks
May others not see me, but Jesus in me. Beautiful story about Durer, Bill, that I’d never heard before.
Blessings!
I had never heard it before either Martha. But I loved it! Thanks to Our Daily Bread and its writer for a great story.
Wow! What a powerful witness Durer made to those who understand. People can misunderstand our witness at times but we can’t let that keep us sharing.
Very true Pam. They may misunderstand but that should never change our witness of Jesus.
YesI have learned well that we can’t please everyone. My only hope is that I don’t disappoint Jesus!
And that is the crux of the matter Ed. We don’t want to disappoint Jesus.