God's Art

By Pasquale R Mingarelli of wildheartphotography.com

A few years ago I had a part-time job framing photos for a portrait photographer. It was not the most exciting job, but his photos were very nicely done. He demanded a good penny for his work of which his client’s were happy to pay for such quality.

When the photos, mats and frames came in I would assemble them together. I took pride in taking care of the photo as I conscientiously matted and framed them. Upon completion I would hold up the photo and think doesn’t that look great. See what I put together. When the customer comes in to pick up this photo they are really going to admire how great the photo looks and think what a great job the framer did!

Wow, was I living in a dream world. In reality I don’t think many people thought about the person who put the photo in the frame. What the client probably thought about was how great they or their loved one looked in the photo that was beautiful taken by a talented photographer.

My job in all this was not anything special. I just put a mat and a frame on a photo that I did not take. Now it’s good to have sense of accomplishment, but I went a little over board with my feelings in the framing job. They same is true for my own photos. I take photos of beautiful things and magnificent places, such as this photo taken in Rocky Mountain National Park. Many people admire my photos and I often take a little bit of pride in that. But in reality what hand did I have in making any of it look so awesome? I just “put a frame on it.” It’s God’s creation. If I take a beautiful photo it’s only because He made it so. God’s the artist. I just press the shutter.

Paul writes in Ephesians that we should do our work for him; not for ourselves, not for our customers and not for a boss, but do it “as unto the Lord.” Do you have a job you love, you hate or are indifferent about or do you have a boss you don’t like? Whatever your occupation, Christians are commanded to do it for the Lord. So do your best and “press your shutter” for Him. In doing so you will experience much more joy and satisfaction in your heart.