S.H.A.P.E.
I had the honor of speaking at the Portrait Society of America’s Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania last week. A high point of the weekend for me was being asked to speak at the Inspirational Hour on Sunday morning. We had a great group–much larger than expected for 7:30 in the morning! By request, here are the highlights of the talk I presented entitled S.H.A.P.E.
Introduction
Throughout our lives, God gives us the opportunity to paint a self portrait. As Benjamin West said, we should always seek, “…the essential character, not the accidental appearance,” of our subjects. What does God see when he views our self portrait now in progress? How can we S.H.A.P.E. our lives to grow as people of faith to reflect more of God’s vision for His people?
S=Service
Col. 3:24
Are you giving to others through your work? Do you teach or give your time and work to others?
H=Heart
Psalm 78:70-72
Are you following your heart?
“He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his heart and his hands is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist.” St. Francis of Assisi
A=Approach
I Chronicles 29:17
Psalm 25:21
I Peter 5:5
There are opportunities to do the right thing and the wrong thing every day. Do you make good choices? Do you remain humble in your life and work? Do you give God credit for what He has given you?
P=Perspective
Luke 10:41-42
Rev 2:2, 4, 5
Do you keep things in perspective? Do you remember the importance of God first in your life? Family? Relationships?
E= Experience
Romans 8:28
Do you use your experiences to grow? Both positive and negative experiences? God does not waste either. Both can help you grow closer to Him.
Conclusion:
God is infinitely kind and patient. Ruth Graham once said, after driving through a construction site, she saw a sign that read, “End of Construction. Thank You for Your Patience.” She felt it summed up her life perfectly. Keep striving everyday to SHAPE your lives and self portrait in His image. Think and reflect often on the perfect life of His son, Jesus. Go to God’s word and pray for guidance every day.
