Tuesday, August 05, 2003
In a recent posting to a Christian artists list I am a part of, the question was raised what is the role of a Christian artist?
The purpose of the Christian artist is the same as every other Christian to give honor and glory to God. We in the church go on and on about giving our lives to Christ. If we give our lives to Him, that means everything, even our art. How that manifests itself in the life of the artist will be different in almost every case. Some will do work that contains images of the Lord for the edification of the church. Some will do work with an evangelistic thrust designed to reach the lost. Some will do it for a living, some will do it as an avocation. Here's the only thing I can say for sure. Your life and your work belong to the Lord. You cannot in good conscience do work that goes against scripture. You belong to the Lord.
In my case, for years I was compartmentalized. I was a Christian, but my work belonged to me. Hell or high water, I was going to make a living as an artist, it was my God given gift. I held my work back from the Lord and it became an idol in my life that almost made me lose EVERYTHING. I had to make a decision and one day I did. I quit art, period. I laid my talent on the altar and said, Lord if I ever pick it up again it will not be for money but only for your glory. In that time God called me to the ministry and slowly He gave me my gift back. Now I use it totally to His glory. I haven't sold a piece in years but I give a lot away, I've actually gotten better. One of the big ways I use my gift now is called A.M.O.K. Arts Ministry Outreack for the Kingdom. In A.M.O.K. I create resources for people interested in using the arts in ministry, do seminars, and use it in the outreaches for my church. It's awesome.
I guess the big thing I would ask the members (and all of you reading this) is, is it time for you to lay your art on the altar, walk away and get your priorities straight? Maybe yes, maybe no, but please be honest in your assessment of how you are using your gift. Is it to His glory or is it dragging you away?
Just something to think about,
Dave
http://www.radicallyreal.com/amok
The purpose of the Christian artist is the same as every other Christian to give honor and glory to God. We in the church go on and on about giving our lives to Christ. If we give our lives to Him, that means everything, even our art. How that manifests itself in the life of the artist will be different in almost every case. Some will do work that contains images of the Lord for the edification of the church. Some will do work with an evangelistic thrust designed to reach the lost. Some will do it for a living, some will do it as an avocation. Here's the only thing I can say for sure. Your life and your work belong to the Lord. You cannot in good conscience do work that goes against scripture. You belong to the Lord.
In my case, for years I was compartmentalized. I was a Christian, but my work belonged to me. Hell or high water, I was going to make a living as an artist, it was my God given gift. I held my work back from the Lord and it became an idol in my life that almost made me lose EVERYTHING. I had to make a decision and one day I did. I quit art, period. I laid my talent on the altar and said, Lord if I ever pick it up again it will not be for money but only for your glory. In that time God called me to the ministry and slowly He gave me my gift back. Now I use it totally to His glory. I haven't sold a piece in years but I give a lot away, I've actually gotten better. One of the big ways I use my gift now is called A.M.O.K. Arts Ministry Outreack for the Kingdom. In A.M.O.K. I create resources for people interested in using the arts in ministry, do seminars, and use it in the outreaches for my church. It's awesome.
I guess the big thing I would ask the members (and all of you reading this) is, is it time for you to lay your art on the altar, walk away and get your priorities straight? Maybe yes, maybe no, but please be honest in your assessment of how you are using your gift. Is it to His glory or is it dragging you away?
Just something to think about,
Dave
http://www.radicallyreal.com/amok
Comments:
Post a Comment
