by Lindi Marais

You may have heard the phrase “We are God’s masterpiece”, which is directly from scripture and therefore absolute truth. When I think of a masterpiece, what comes to mind is a piece of art, probably one created by one of the greats, encased in an ornate frame, hanging in one of the world famous museums. However, if we think of ourselves as a masterpiece like the one that came to my mind, we may think that there is not much left for us to do and that is simply not true. We need to walk out our christianity. Yes we are beautiful displays- true, but there are also good works set out for us, meaning we are not just hanging on a wall, we are much more like a functional piece of interactive art.

As a design teacher, I am always looking for links between my field of expertise and my understanding and belief system. When we view art and design, as students, we criticize and analyze it based on the elements of art and the principles of design. These principles are so clearly linked to the way of following Jesus that it so sweetly reveals God’s intricate involvement in the details of life. It makes sense that the framework we’ve developed to analyze creativity would be used by the Creator to speak to us.

I’d like to guide you through these principles with two points in mind: firstly, You as the artwork/Design (personal) and secondly, you on display (public).

Balance
“Balance is the distribution of the visual weight of objects”

As the design- 

As believers, we’re not meant to be balanced people. Everything in our lives submits to our King when we are completely transformed because of what he’s done for us. He is the sole priority. He deserves our full attention and in his goodness and kindness, when we place our full attention onto him, he does bring order to the rest of our lives

Revelations 3:16 (NIV) “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

John 10:10 (NIV) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

On display- 

Asymmetrically balanced designs are characterized as dynamic and usually more interesting than symmetrical pieces. We are on display to glorify our king, let’s not be boring designs. You are unique for a purpose- stand out!

John 10:10  (NIV) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Acts 17:6 “And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down”

Contrast
“Contrast refers to the arrangement of opposite elements”

As the design- 

We are new creations! Is there a contrast between the old us and the new us? There should be. Because we serve a good God, He gives us the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit transforms us day by day into the likeness of Christ!

Galatians 2:20 ESV “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

On display- 

As believers, we should not only notice a difference in our lives but it should be recognisable publicly. This is your testimony! That the work that God has done and is doing inside you personally, becomes noticeably publicly. This is not to say that we change for other people, but more that we can’t help but change from our old behaviours, habits, and desires, because we have been created anew.

Romans 12:2  (NIV)” Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Emphasis
“Emphasis is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention”.

As the design-

As believers, we need to be aware of what we are allowing to catch our attention? Whatever we focus on starts to subconsciously form us.

Proverbs 4: 20-22 “My son, pay attention to what I say;  turn your ear to my words.  Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;  for they are life to those who find them  and health to one’s whole body.”

On Display- 

Is it easy for non-believers to see who the focal point of our lives is? Emphasis and Contrast work closely together as design principles. What you are focusing on will make you ‘look’ a certain way to the people around you. Find trustworthy advisors to help you display Jesus as your focus, especially when life gets busy and fast paced.

Luke 12:34 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also

Unity
“Unity is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the work of art, which creates a sense of completeness.”

As the design- 

God has created us beautifully complex. That is particularly encouraging to me. We are complex beings, made up of mind, body and spirit. Because of our complexities, it is often difficult to lead ourselves, and we feel internal conflict often. Through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can work to unify our mind, body and spirit in pursuit of Jesus.

Deuteronomy 6:5 “And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength”

On Display- 

Our God is one of unity.  He Himself is a triune God. He created us for community, and unity amongst fellow believers is an essential weapon. This doesn’t mean that there won’t be disagreements and offense but it is our responsibility to fight against those emotions, process them, and move towards the unity that the Holy Spirit cultivates.

Ephesians 4: 3-4 “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.  For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.”

There are many more principles of Design, and I encourage you to explore for yourselves or ask God how he is speaking and working through your field of expertise. The last and most encouraging thing about being a design created by God is that you were made on purpose, with a purpose, both privately and publicly, and you are meant to uniquely reflect God’s glory.