Some of the most beautiful illustrations of the gospel can be found in old cathedrals and churches in the form of stained-glass windows. Master artisans discovered glass is simply a medium for storytelling. It is broken, melted in an intensely hot fire, hammered, flattened, dyed, molded, cut, and, finally, when it is ready, it is lovingly and artfully fit into a mold that has been prepared specifically for that piece, to be a small part of a bigger, magnificent picture. The green glass never longs to be blue or argues that it belongs in a different location. Each one is used as the artist imagines. Each piece is a complement to the other parts, but one never tells the entire story by itself. Only when it is melded together and lifted up where it belongs do we see that though the light shines differently through every piece; the entire picture as a whole is an exquisite reflection of the artist’s heart.As believers, each of us are a piece of God’s magnificent story of forgiveness and grace. We are to reflect His story and His heart. Our Creator has intricately and lovingly designed every one of His children to fit into a specific and unique design. There is only one of you and one of me. We have been broken, molded, and prepared for His purpose.This passage reminds us to never think we are better, brighter, or more important than someone else. Nor are we to covet another’s gift(s) or place within the church. Only when we seek to know God’s heart and His call on our own life with the gift(s) He’s poured out on us, can we cheerfully work together to complete the Master’s plan. His light may shine a little differently through each of us, but as a whole, the Church should shine brightly and naturally reflect the perfect and glorious story of God’s grace, mercy, and peace. When the world looks through the window of the Church, let them see the story of Jesus.