Conforming

A while back a friend sent a website that really intrigued me.  It highlighted a Chinese artist by the name of Liu Bolin, known for taking photographs of himself.  The interesting thing is that Liu is painted in order to blend in with his background. 

Liu spends hours in preparation and expends great effort to merge himself with his surroundings and his work is simply stunning. 

 http://www.elikleinfineart.com/html/ArtistResults.asp?artist=82

As a kid who grew up watching all sorts of “war” movies, donning camouflage, and painting my face with motor oil and dirt in order to play army at night --- I was in awe of this man’s art form.  And I was tempted .. just a little … to go home and see if I could do something similar (it’s the little kid in me).


As I viewed the various pictures on the website, a passage in the Bible came to mind.  Paul wrote in Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  

 A Christian is not only created in the image of God, but at the point of new birth we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit.  One of the primary works of the Spirit is to develop the character of Christ in our hearts and the conduct of Christ in our daily lifestyle.  Rather than blend in with the world around us, we are to stand out in sharp contrast to the values, beliefs, and actions of our world.

Some Christians I know seemingly work as hard as Liu Bolin to conform to their surroundings.  Whether they are afraid of rejection by their peers for being different, lack the knowledge or training to be like Christ, or just enjoy the game of “playing like the world” --- too many of us blend in.  I know that I have done this at times in my life.  And all too often there is more about us that looks like the world then looks like Jesus or His Father.   

Jesus said in John 14:9 “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” He intentionally lived each day to represent His Father to the world around Him.  Like Liu’s creative work, Christian living requires planning, creativity, and a lot of effort.  And the rewards for doing so will be more than just a few ribbons and cash prizes – our rewards will be eternal in nature and life impacting as others see and seek the God that our lives present to them. 

I have been challenged by the Lord’s words to examine the artwork of my life, to see if I look more like the world than I do my Heavenly Father.  I hope you will be too. 

Other websites to check out: 

·        http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/meet-the-real-life-invisible-man.html 

·        http://thisisdiversity.com/articles/all/2282/chinese-artist-paints-himself-invisible/