The Same, But Different

They look similar, but different. No, it’s not just lighting or camera angle, these are screen captures of two different quilts. From the number of participants, there are hundreds around the world, each slightly different from the other though they all have the same pattern, same instructions from Bonnie K. Hunter’s Grand Illusion.

Some have finished their quilts, others have saved the instructions and will start later. Some have seams matching exactly, others have a a few that are a few threads off. Some have been taken apart – often – others seldom pick up a seam ripper.

All show the basic design, beautiful movement that brings the quilt to life before it wraps someone in comfortable warmth. It’s one example of why I’ve come to enjoy my new hobby of piecing patterns to make a quilt. No – for those who may ask – I have not pieced the Grand Illusion (but I did save the instructions, in case I get the time.)

Why bring it up now? Because I see a lesson here from verses Paul gave us:

Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. (Philippians 1:15-18 KJV)

Just as the quilts are different, sermons are different and preachers are different. How can we tell which ones follow the pattern? By understanding the instructions. And, though you may find that this is repetitious, it remains valid:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV)

Scriptures are our instructions, our standards by which we measure what we do, and what we don’t do. Don’t worry about measuring others, we’re responsible for ourselves. We have instructions on that:

Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. (Matthew 7:5 KJV)

Please read Matthew 7:1-4, too, in order to get a fuller message. Too many people stop with Matthew 7:1. Once we have instructions, it would be good for ourselves to follow them – wouldn’t it?

There are patterns in scripture, too. Within the gospel message runs a thread of love – the unequaled love of God for man:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

I read that in a Spanish version years ago:

Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree, no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna.

I remember how someone translated it back to me: Because of the manner God loved the world. It doesn’t matter what language is used – God loved. John said again, slightly differently:

We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19 KJV)

Love is a beautiful pattern. Always the same, slightly different.