A word aptly spoken is little apples of gold in sockets of silver. Proverbs 25:11
Since I’ve returned from the Gathering of Christian Artists in Asheville, North Carolina, I’ve been doing more art and asking God to reveal His will about my creative work. I’ve been trying to be silent and listen to Him more.
He’s been speaking to me about several things that might encourage you also. First, my art and writing are not as important as my relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That is to be the number one thing I should pursue and my art will flow out of that relationship. If I trust Him, and lean on his word, bring my requests to Him in thanksgiving, I’ll be less anxious about what to do (Philippians), which is sometimes a struggle. Since God often speaks to me in first person, I’ll write the word, as He gave it to me today:
“I invite you to participate in creation with Me. I have
made you in My image and so therefore I bestow on you the ability to create. However, each one’s creativity will differ—some will be visual artists, musicians, writers, as well as pastors, prophets, administrators and skilled craftsmen, along with other gifts, such as helps and healing. It should not be a cause for jealousy but joy. Together, you make up the glorious whole, the body of Christ.
The aim is to imitate Your Father in heaven. Draw on Me as your inspiration. The world has many muses—nature, self and the voice of other gods. While some of these may be good, others are evil. You need to look to Me, that may include studying nature, which is a reflection of Me and My Son, as well as the Holy Spirit. Let your true source of inspiration be divine. Paint, fashion and create the vision I give to You.”
While this may be ingrained for some of you, it is new to me. I’ve always just painted what I wanted, mostly nature and other artists work. As an art teacher for elementary school children, I’ve been a fan of nature studies, Pinterest and seasonal crafts for the children. While I’ve developed my writing, I need to look at my art in a whole new way. I’ve been reading the Bible in a new light—looking to the scriptures as a source of inspiration for what I paint. I've been writing prayers to accompany the verses and artwork.
Matt Tommey addresses this issue of creativity in his book, Creativity, According to the Kingdom. I’ve just begun to read it and I highly recommend it if you desire your creative work to align with Kingdom principles. It is my desire to glorify God with my work. I also recommend the facebook page, Thriving Christian Artists. I’ve imbedded the link if you are interested in joining. I hope this word sets your work in a direction that will inspire and challenge you to fulfill the purpose God has for your talent and abilities. If you like what you’ve read or seen, please leave a comment. Thanks and blessings!
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