Old masters being restored or rediscovered, or forgeries being exposed, get the art world excited.
But during World War II, art curators desperately tried to protect artworks from Nazi confiscation.
Using secret storages or covering them with primitive paintings, they aimed at later restoration.
Yet few curators survived, so mediocre work may still conceal lost masterpieces.
Ironically, even successful forgers shortchange themselves.
For by only producing copies, they ignore any legitimate way to develop their talent and reach the timeless quality of achieving any personal reputation or influence.
Art valuations can be subjective or even misplaced.
I recall art critics once heaping praise on the originality of the subtle tones and sharp contrasts in abstract paintings from an unknown artist, who happened to be a gorilla at Melbourne Zoo!
But have you ever recognised the masterpiece you see every day – like the one in your mirror?
As human beings, we are uniquely made in God’s image, an image that does not depend on our appearance or our performance.
This image zeroes in on our value and on our capacity to consciously know God far more deeply than any animal-instinct level could allow for us.
And we can know him without copying anyone else.
Role models may be helpful guides, but we dare not become their clones, or one of us may no longer be necessary.
This divine image is sadly blocked or blurred by the pervasive reality of evil: wrongs done to us, by us, or around us.
This evil shrinks our concern for others’ needs, it limits our ability to reach our potential and it keeps God at a distance.
Jesus came to reveal the masterstrokes of God’s image in even the least-likely people, so they could enjoy his acceptance and forgiveness.
For from being crippled physically, emotionally, socially or spiritually; he restored their dignity and validity.
It cost him his life, but he bounced back, and he now invites anyone to personally reclaim this image and explore the relationship that he has planned from before time began.
By accepting his invitation, we may discover his masterpiece within and start helping others to detect the brushstrokes of his image for themselves.
And better still, though art world masterpieces may be incredibly valuable, they cannot be changed – while masterpieces like us may keep growing in our skills, our experience and in being a positive influence in a devalued world.
Noel Mitaxa
On behalf of a church near you, inviting you to explore God’s love
