Tiles |
Heidelberg, Germany
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” ~Philippians 4:11b, 13
I had the opportunity some time ago to visit the Sistine Chapel in The Vatican City inside Rome. Michelangelo’s amazing work is displayed across the ceiling and droves of visitors enter the chapel’s doors every year to gaze upward at this marvelous wonder only later to leave in desperate need of a chiropractor.
But I had determined years before that I would take a significant amount of time to look upon the artistic tiling of the chapel floor. Think of it – unknown, unrecognized, yet very talented artisans spent hours upon hours on their knees laying these tiles in beautiful patterns. There was incredible thought and creativity put into their work and incredible skill only to have millions walk upon it and never notice while gazing at the “greater” and “more significant” work above.
I began to wonder what kind of tile I would like to be if in fact that was my purpose for existence. The Sistine Chapel might be nice for setting – but not so nice in the fact that I would not only be stepped on by disinterested patrons – but completely ignored! But perhaps worst of all would be a tile on a dirty bathroom floor, or perhaps in a dark closet or a forgotten room. No – I would rather be a tile in a ballroom where there is music and dancing and celebration, or even better, a tile at the foot of a king’s throne where knights are given honor and kings are crowned; where laws are decreed and mercy is granted.
But tiles are a curious thing. Regardless of their shape, size, or placement, a tile’s function is the same: to provide a hard, secure surface in order to provide a strong support for all who enter the space. If even one tile is missing in any place, be it a closet or the finest of rooms, it is missed, and the owner quickly seeks to replace that tile.
And so it is in our lives as men and women created in God’s image. We are made to glorify God by our very existence and enjoy His presence. God places us in different places – some more prominent than others, but our purpose is still the same, and it is never diminished. If I were lifted from the closet floor ad placed in a royal throne room, my purpose has not changed nor has the King’s delight in me! Even so, if the King chooses to take me from my place of comfort and place me in a darker corner, it is for His delight and for His purpose and our purpose is still the same – His Glory!
Rejoice in the place God has placed you, and be content with little or with much!
“My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be Glory for ever and ever. Amen.” – Philippians 4:19, 20
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” ~Philippians 4:11b, 13
I had the opportunity some time ago to visit the Sistine Chapel in The Vatican City inside Rome. Michelangelo’s amazing work is displayed across the ceiling and droves of visitors enter the chapel’s doors every year to gaze upward at this marvelous wonder only later to leave in desperate need of a chiropractor.
But I had determined years before that I would take a significant amount of time to look upon the artistic tiling of the chapel floor. Think of it – unknown, unrecognized, yet very talented artisans spent hours upon hours on their knees laying these tiles in beautiful patterns. There was incredible thought and creativity put into their work and incredible skill only to have millions walk upon it and never notice while gazing at the “greater” and “more significant” work above.
I began to wonder what kind of tile I would like to be if in fact that was my purpose for existence. The Sistine Chapel might be nice for setting – but not so nice in the fact that I would not only be stepped on by disinterested patrons – but completely ignored! But perhaps worst of all would be a tile on a dirty bathroom floor, or perhaps in a dark closet or a forgotten room. No – I would rather be a tile in a ballroom where there is music and dancing and celebration, or even better, a tile at the foot of a king’s throne where knights are given honor and kings are crowned; where laws are decreed and mercy is granted.
But tiles are a curious thing. Regardless of their shape, size, or placement, a tile’s function is the same: to provide a hard, secure surface in order to provide a strong support for all who enter the space. If even one tile is missing in any place, be it a closet or the finest of rooms, it is missed, and the owner quickly seeks to replace that tile.
And so it is in our lives as men and women created in God’s image. We are made to glorify God by our very existence and enjoy His presence. God places us in different places – some more prominent than others, but our purpose is still the same, and it is never diminished. If I were lifted from the closet floor ad placed in a royal throne room, my purpose has not changed nor has the King’s delight in me! Even so, if the King chooses to take me from my place of comfort and place me in a darker corner, it is for His delight and for His purpose and our purpose is still the same – His Glory!
Rejoice in the place God has placed you, and be content with little or with much!
“My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be Glory for ever and ever. Amen.” – Philippians 4:19, 20
