{"id":30846,"title":"Life, Light & Love - the BELIEVE Blog","description":"You could put every colour of the rainbow into a stained glass object and then weave into it a tapestry depicting a whole chronicle of tales. Yet, without a significant light behind it, that work of art will never be realised at any where near its potential.\n\nDid you know that you are a work of art? It\u2019s true! You were made on purpose, for a purpose. Just like a stained glass, however, you need the light of Christ, not just within you, but shining through you, in order that you reach your intended brilliance.","content":"

\"qtmtnslh2s8ao1demt1i7cbtb7ivmeam7iussj2xhiesqrsn.png.png?w=1140&v=2\"<\/u><\/a>\u201cYou are the light of the world. <\/span>A city built on a <\/span>hill cannot be hid.\u201d Matthew 5:14 <\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>

Stained glass windows are so connected with the church. They have been used to tell the stories of the Bible for hundreds of years. And through a time when most people could not even read the Bible for themselves, <\/span>they helped illustrate the message of the Gospel<\/span><\/strong> and God\u2019s love in a personal, relatable and memorable manner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

There are some amazing stained glass windows in the world. The oldest surviving stained glass are believed to be the Prophet Windows in Augsburg Cathedral which date to around the 1060s and the biggest can be found at the Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, Illinois.<\/span><\/p>

When I reflect on the beauty of stained glass, <\/span>two points become very clear<\/span><\/strong> to me.<\/span><\/p>

Firstly, the invention of stained glass proves to me that despite the fact that glass windows were amazing enough a concept, man desires to not simply have functionality but <\/span>beauty and magnificence<\/span><\/strong>. A stained glass window denies the function of a window almost entirely, yet, we have found a form of art in them that cannot help but capture something glorious.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Considering that we were made by God, in His image, this makes sense. The least learned of us need only pause for a moment to observe any part of the Universe to see that t<\/span>he Lord also delights in beauty and magnificence when He creates.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Whether we believe in God or not, regardless of our moral compass, nothing can change the fact that <\/span>we were designed to reflect our Creator<\/span><\/strong> and we will do so more than we may think. God is the great creator and greatest artist of all time!<\/span><\/p>

Secondly, regardless of their size, features or complexity, stained glass creations all have one common necessity in order that they work: <\/span>light.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

I think you can see where I\u2019m going with this one.<\/span><\/p>

You could put every colour of the rainbow into a stained glass object and then weave into it a tapestry depicting a whole chronicle of tales. Yet, without a significant light behind it, <\/span>that work of art will never be realised<\/span><\/strong> at any where near its potential.<\/span><\/p>

Did you know that <\/span>you are a work of art<\/span><\/strong>? It\u2019s true! You were made on purpose, for a purpose. Just like a stained glass, however, <\/span>you need the light of Christ<\/span><\/strong>, not just within you, but shining through you, in order that you reach your intended brilliance.<\/span><\/p>

You were not meant to be hidden under a basket but displayed on a high place for all to see! That\u2019s how proud of you God is.<\/span><\/p>

It\u2019s <\/span>nothing to do with your education<\/span><\/strong>, charity work, ethics, financial success, or even church attendance. Paul took this a step further and said,<\/span> \u201c\u2026and do count them but dung\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/em> speaking of his impressive credentials.<\/span><\/p>

Furthermore, the truth is that if we don\u2019t let Jesus shine through us, the world isn\u2019t just missing out on something wonderful, we\u2019re not even useful!<\/span><\/p>

A stained glass window in darkness isn\u2019t even as useful as a normal window! It might as well not contain all it\u2019s beautiful colours if there is no light to bring it to life. The labor of love that God has done, and continues to do in you, taking time to craft you into His work of art can only bring joy to those around you. <\/span>If<\/span><\/em> you <\/span>let His love pour through you<\/span><\/strong> like the sun on a summer\u2019s afternoon.<\/span><\/p>

How can we make sure that we always have <\/span>this out-pouring of light and life<\/span><\/strong> flowing through us? By making sure we have a cup that is filled; filled so full that it simply spills over the edges. By taking time to dwell deeply on God\u2019s love for us and prioritising study and meditation of His word. By singing His praises even when we\u2019re in the midst of peril and storms, and always running back to the arms of the Father as soon as we find ourselves with one foot off His good path.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

When you truly know and feel loved with the kind of love that the creator of the universe is able to lavish upon you, <\/span>you can\u2019t help but shine!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

Rosie Shepherd<\/span><\/p>

Senior Designer & Co-Founder | Revival<\/span><\/p>

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