(23) At the Crossroads

How much is enough?  In this world of adding to and wanting more, I often reflect on this question.  There are temptations to follow the lead of adding stuff to my life and not be satisfied with what I have.  

The temptations even carry over into my faith.  Many voices divert me and tell me to add activities; to indulge myself rather than to serve others; to add experiences to my salvation. How do I measure my faith?

I like what John Stott says:  “If you add anything to Christ, you lose Christ.  Salvation is by Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone.” 

I tried to use the least to say the most; Christ holds everything together. Gold leaf is the most extravagant material I use and is often symbolic of divinity in Renaissance art.  It does not tarnish and is a stable, exquisite mineral.  By placing gold leaf on pristine paper at the cross-section, it is a reminder of Christ’s sacrificial love that lasts forever and that He is enough!  

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is 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. Galatians 2:20

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Embossed watercolor paper and  gold leaf