Sunday Devotion-A Tale of Two Lights

Janet Rubin


Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."


Right now, I’m in the process of writing an article for a local paper about a friend of mine named Bob. Bob and his wife Judith are artists, and own a store called the Art Emporium, where they’ve done custom framing for 25 years. Judith makes these incredible collage pieces and is a marvelous photographer. Bob dabbles in a variety of art forms including sculpture. But besides being cool artsy friends of mine, Bob and Judith are also my brother and sister in Christ; they love Jesus with a passion.

What I love about Bob and Judith is how they are able to be a witness through their art. I’m glad that these guys share their work at church. They are involved in our small Art 4 the Heart group where they fellowship with other creative types (like me), and their works are displayed in the church lobby, but they are also doing their thang out in the world. The town Bob and Judith live in is an artsy community. Because they own the framing shop and belong to the local art association, they’ve gotten to know the local artists well.

When there is a local art show, Bob and Judith are there, Judith’s pieces often including scripture. At a recent one I attended Bob had an abstract piece called “Rising from the Scourge,” on display, his creative interpretation of the resurrection. So cool.

The way they run their business is a witness as well. Bob insists on maintaining a strong work ethic and absolute integrity. Making things right for the customer, bending over backwards to get things done on time, taking a loss if necessary. Therefore, people trust him. And tell their friends.

Bob cares about his customers. When I interviewed him, he fondly relayed stories about the special jobs he’s been able to do: framing a brick and photo from the twin towers for a fire marshal, war pictures and metals belonging to a father who didn’t make it home, a collage of photos to display at a funeral…

I’m impressed by my artist friends and how they allow God to shine through them into their community. It reminds me again that God gave us art (writing in my case and probably yours) for so many reasons—for our personal pleasure, for worship, for entertaining and blessing fellow believers, AND to touch the world. This might not even mean witnessing through what we write. It might just mean using the opportunity of common ground we share with other writers to build relationships and show God's love. I think Bob and Judith are doing a great job of it.

Lord,
Thanks again for the gift of words and books and writing. How fun it is! Thank you for the fellowship of Christian writers, but thank you also for the fellowship with all writers and the bond we have because of a shared love for the written word. Show us how to be lights, how to bless and encourage others, and use this gift for all the purposes you intend. Show us Your way. Amen.