The Steinway piano has been the instrument of choice by masters of the keyboard for many years. Pianists such as Rubinstein, Cliburn, Horowitz, Rachmaninoff, and Liszt knew that a skillfully crafted instrument such as the Steinway produces a rich, wonderful sound.

Steinway pianos are built today the same way they were when Henry Steinway started the company in 1845. Two hundred craftsmen and 12,000 parts are required to produce one of these instruments. Most crucial is the rim-bending process where 18 layers of maple are bent around an iron press to create the shape of a Steinway grand. Five coats of lacquer are applied and hand-rubbed to give the piano its outer glow. Each key is tested 10,000 times to ensure quality and durability.

In a similar manner, Christians - followers of Jesus Christ - are being "handcrafted." We are pressed, formed and shaped to make us more and more like Him. We are polished until we "glow." We are tested in the laboratory of human experience to ensure quality and durability.

One of the ways in which we are made in Christ's image concerns our giving. 1 John 3:17 says that we demonstrate God's love when we see our brother in need and give to meet that need. In fact, the Lord Jesus said that we are to love our neighbor just as we love ourselves, and the illustration He provided was that of the Good Samaritan.
Yes, we are to give to the Lord's work here at Aztec United Methodist Church. Yes, we are to place a priority in our lives on supporting this ministry financially. But let's not limit ourselves and our service for Christ to the walls of our church. Instead, let's be alert to opportunities to demonstrate God's love to fellow-travelers on the road of life. When we do that, we are demonstrating to ourselves and to all who observe that we have been "handcrafted" in the likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ.