We see the arts play a big part in the Bible. Ezekiel acted out the siege of Jerusalem and even drew the city skyline as a backdrop (Ezekiel 4). King Solomon made windows with artistic frames (I Kings 6:4, and the temple artwork, such as the columns, had no structural significance. It was beauty for the sake of beauty (2 Chronicles 3:15-17).
The artistic journey begins with a desire to create. But this is only the beginning. The seed to create will in time grow into a full-blown philosophy of artmaking.
Here are some characteristics of a God honoring artist:
1. Excellence In Craft
They purpose to develop skills on par with the talent given them. They pray to be filled with skill, ability and knowledge. They work hard, for as the Scripture says: "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." They study to learn why some things work and others don't.
2. Make The Most Of Every Opportunity
They give their best to God in their home, church or university, being seen as faithful in the little things that they might be found ready and prepared for the bigger. They recognize that contemporary tools are nice to have, but are no substitute for astonishing ideas.
3. Find Balance Between Work And Rest
Foolish is the man that thinks he's succeeding just because how hard he is working. As the Scripture says, "Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil." Rather than worrying about basic provisions, true artists memorize and trust God's promises to provide.
4. Pray For Humility
True artists pray for humility and don't struggle endlessly against circumstances designed to humble them. Instead they see difficult circumstances as a provision from God and an answer to their prayers. They welcome the discipline of the Lord because it is a testimony of his fatherly love and a sure sign that he is changing them into the man or woman he has designed them to be.
5. Work Against Apathy
True artists work against indifference, unconcern and disdain. They purpose in their lives and their art to do both in such a way as to lead men and women away from such worthless occupation of the mind and heart.
6. Love The Church
Charlie Peacock writes "True artists purpose to love the Church despite indifference or opposition to their work. Though indifference is their enemy they separate it from the brother or sister who is deceived by it. They are eager to find their place in the Body and do not consider themselves exempt from fellowship and church stewardship responsibilities. They love the Church and do all they can to build it up, for how can you love Christ and hate his Church?"
7. Purpose To Think
Meditate on what is lovely and truthful and desire such things in their art. They never stop thinking. They are curious to know what makes things work. They know the power of ideas and pray to use only those whose consequences produce fruit in keeping with the Spirit of God.
8. Know Mission And Destination
They know where they are going and what they are called to do along the way. Their panoramic vision keeps their eyes on the promise ahead. It keeps their eyes on what has gone before in history.
9. Imitate Jesus
True artists imitate Jesus. They pursue greatness in craft in order to give the Lord the best fruit of the talent he has given them, not to build themselves up. They understand that true greatness is found in the heart of the servant.
After Jesus washed the feet of his disciples he told them, "I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13:15-17)
Next week we will look at how the artist manages their emotions and how to do well in your creative work.
No comments:
Post a Comment