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"16They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work."

Titus 1:16

"11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

Titus 2:11-14

"...so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior."

Titus 2:10b

(English Standard Version)

Art is most striking when there is strong contrast. Bright whites next to jet blacks grab attention. It should be no surprise, then, that black and white photography is most easily imprinted on the memory of the viewer. If you want an image to stick then shoot monochromatic and open up a couple stops.

One finds deep contrast when he is smacked hard in the face with how black actions color his life in deep scumble. But the blindingly white glory of grace competes for greater emphasis in the composition. One cannot focus on both, he must choose the one or the other. So with one stroke those who were unfit for ANY GOOD WORK are found decorating the truth of God with their own, beautifully placed deeds.

The darker sin only intensifies the contrast; there is grace given to meet it. The one who is forgiven much will love much. And so the conclusion is not to dip the brush back into the black, but to draw more attention within the compositions of our lives to the white.

Washing my brushes. Grinding new whiting. Taking more oil.