Functionality to Art

         

       Some years ago I visited an antique store that seemed more like a museum in design.  The store was set up into “rooms” of a house and decorated with what might have filled the room in a specific time era.  It was wonderful viewing these variety of objects.  I recognized some of the items I used as a child or remember my grandparents using!  Many others were from long before I was born!

         During pioneer times, people crafted items required, due to necessity.  They needed cooking utensils, containers for cooking, baskets for carrying items and storage, quilts for warmth, furniture like tables, chairs, beds, cabinets and more.  These very functional items over the years have been transformed into pieces of art.  They represent our heritage and even our ancestors who used them.

         As these item’s functionality have been changed over the years, so have our lives, our perspectives, values and traditions.  People have a different idea of what is important now, compared to our ancestors, generations ago.  We seem go to great lengths to attain as many material elements as we can.  Being successful means being wealthy and being at the top of the corporate ladder.  It’s about how many new cars we own, how large and luxurious our house is, how many servants are hired and how many trips have been made to exotic countries in any given year.

         In our busy world, we’ve lost the need, and often the desire, to hold on to what Christ taught and the disciples shared, after the Resurrection.  The disciples were passionate about their Lord and Savior, the Messiah, Jesus.  While antiques have become more valuable over the years and are treasured pieces of art, Christ’s teachings have often been watered down, manipulated, twisted and contorted to teach only what is desired.  Many have lost the desire or energy for even teaching our young ones what is important.  Instead, we seem content to let the world overwhelm them with greed and the “me” attitude.

         It’s time we take hold of what God has given us in His Word.  We need to recognize what He has entrusted to our care.  He has given gifts of “talents” for each of us, for which we need to be thankful and faithful.  We need to be ready, so when He returns, He will be able to say, “Welcome home, good and faithful servant!” 

         Happiness will come when we realize our lives are to be governed by something other than this world.  We need to base our decisions and respond to challenges through the knowledge of Christ.  All the beautiful art in the world can never compare to the peace, joy and love found in the Savior. 

         So I challenge you to look at all that is around you.  Your world may be filled with beautiful new, modern material goods or wonderful, exquisite antiques.  While these may offer much pleasure, the greatest pleasure of all is to know and have a personal relationship with God.