Unfinished

Unfinished: Thoughts Left Visible was an art exhibition that displayed 197 works from the Renaissance period to present day. The exhibit addressed the question of when a work of art is finished. On display were art pieces in various stages of completion leaving behind traces of the artistic process.

The “artwork in progress” reminds us of these three attributes of a masterpiece:

1. A masterpiece takes time.

Alice Neel met James Hunter by chance and asked him to sit for a portrait. The young man had just been drafted for the Vietnam War and was scheduled to leave within a week. Following her usual practice, Neel started to outline the body directly on the canvas and then filled in parts of the head and hands. When Hunter did not return for their second sitting, Neel declared the work complete in its unfinished state by signing it on the back.

The key to creating a masterpiece is to be committed to the process. Every day we return to sit in the presence of the Master allowing Him access to our imperfections and flaws. Some days are painted with strokes of genius. Others may seem random, insignificant, or terribly wrong. Rather than run away from difficulties, allow them to “perfect and complete” you. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2–4, ESV).

2. A masterpiece is the culmination of the artist’s skill.

Picasso began with a traditional self-portrait—the outline of his hair is still visible. But then, he decided to present himself in costume and a wig. The extensive use of black was due to Picasso’s deliberate attempt to cover an even earlier composition, a common practice for artists with limited financial resources.

We can’t help ourselves, fix ourselves, or save ourselves. Only in Jesus Christ are we complete (Colossians 2:10). The first century church heard the Greek word sozo translated saved, and thought of being carried to safety, made whole, or restored—restored to original condition. God is in the lifelong process of restoring the original work of art He imagined before we were born! “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6, ESV).

3. A masterpiece showcases the artist’s originality and inspires others.

With half-closed eyes, Countess Anna-Elizabeth de Noailles appears to be daydreaming. The roughly hewn marble block contrasts with smoother areas. Dissatisfied with its seemingly unfinished state, the Countess rejected the sculpture and asked the artist not to exhibit it.

The focus of our story isn’t how shameful our mess is, but how masterful the artist is! Ironically, the rough places don’t detract from Anna-Elizabeth’s sculpture, it attracts us. We have a deeper appreciation for the unique work of art that it is today. When we allow God to shape us, and then share our story, we have the privilege of inspiring others to do the same. “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” (II Corinthians 4:7, NLT).

TODAY’S REFLECTION:

Do you regularly pause to embrace the truth that you are God’s created, purpose-filled masterpiece? Identify the work you need to do in your heart to honor the plan God has for your life.

TODAY’S DEVOTION WAS WRITTEN BY JULIE LONG.