DAY 36 — THE DOUBLE-EDGED BRUSH

An artist was known for his beautiful murals.
One day a wealthy patron visited his studio
and watched him paint a vibrant wall of colors.
The patron said,
“Your work is breathtaking. Are you doing it for an exhibition?”

The artist paused.
Then he picked up a second brush from the table—
one side dipped in bright paint,
the other dipped in gold dust.

He whispered,
“This brush betrays me.
When I use the gold side,
it’s not art I’m chasing…
it’s applause.”

The patron asked,
“So which side will you choose now?”

The artist dipped the plain bristles into color and said,
“Today, I paint only for God’s eyes.” 
Lent asks you to confront not just your actions—
but your motives.
You can do holy things for unholy reasons:
to be admired,
to be praised,
to feel superior,
to look spiritual,
to impress God instead of love Him.

Sin hides not only in behavior
but in intention.

Lent is where you ask yourself:
“Am I doing this for love…
or for recognition?”

God sees your heart,
not the gold dust on your brush.
Purifying motives is one of the hardest
and holiest works of Lent.