FINGER PAINTS

Do you remember finger paints?

Those bright, bold, beautiful colors that just screamed out "Smear me all over everything!" Many a child, with innocent and reckless abandon simply plunged in and the next thing you knew - painted walls or maybe even "painted playmates."

Teachers and parents quickly attempted to set some boundaries, corraling youthful creativity and passion before home remodeling became a necessity. Or they would watch them like hawks, wiping away any errant smudge that found its way onto faces or clothes before the child was permanently marked by their artistic enthusiasm.

Often, the children had an eye for colors (and their combination) that seemed alien to the adult mind--a first indication of a generation gap. And for many a child, finishing the picture was not as important as the process of painting. Most finger paint efforts were works in progress. But they also had an idea when the work was complete and now ready to go on exhibit in that Louvre of Finger Painting--the kitchen refrigerator.

Finger paints were better than crayons--because they were not used to "color within the lines." Finger paints defied such conventions. Finger paints were instruments of pure expression. A first attempt to be who God had created us to be--unique, gifted, eager to leave an impression on the world.

New Christians are like children with finger paints. They have a newfound discovery and a newfound resource. Boundaries are not as important as expression. They introduce an element of freshness and unpredictability that often brings bright new "colors" to the church. Although they need to be discipled, we need to always be careful that we don't crush the simple enthusiasm and passion that they have for their newfound faith.

And maybe we would be benefited if we let them paint on the walls or any on the faces of believers who have grown dull and dim in the predictable passing of years.