artists
The Heart of An Artist?
07/11/24 17:14
Do you have the heart of an artist? I’ve written before that I believe everyone has artistic gifts in some measure, expressed differently. All of us are created in God’s image and artistry or creativity is clearly a reflection of God's image. There are those however who have specific gifts and desires that make them especially called and identified as artists – musicians, writers, painters, dancers, etc.
As I’ve written before, all artists are not only called to be artists but to be authentic artists. Only authentic artists have the true heart of an artist.
So how does this play out? What marks show your authenticity as an artist who lives for God’s glory? In my book, I think I’ve made it pretty clear. An authentic artist is someone:
As Scripture defines it, this person has received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior – someone who has repented of their sins, surrendered to Jesus' Lordship, and is bearing fruit. Another way to put it is – this person is increasingly living from the “new heart” she received at the point of her salvation!
So what are the marks of this “new heart” as an artist?
Here are the major categories I believe the Scriptures point us to:
There is an upward and an outward aspect of our new hearts and this should be expressed in our art (and our lives).
Jesus put this quite clearly, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Questions to ponder: Do you have the heart of an artist? Is this your true self? If so how is it being expressed these days? What about this is Jesus address in your life now?
As I’ve written before, all artists are not only called to be artists but to be authentic artists. Only authentic artists have the true heart of an artist.
So how does this play out? What marks show your authenticity as an artist who lives for God’s glory? In my book, I think I’ve made it pretty clear. An authentic artist is someone:
- who knows their gifting (and accepts it)
- who develops their skill (is always learning and growing)
- who creates and expresses their art from a “spiritually alive” heart. (And is growing!)
- who lives in community with other believers
- who is pursuing God's purpose and mission for their life
As Scripture defines it, this person has received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior – someone who has repented of their sins, surrendered to Jesus' Lordship, and is bearing fruit. Another way to put it is – this person is increasingly living from the “new heart” she received at the point of her salvation!
So what are the marks of this “new heart” as an artist?
Here are the major categories I believe the Scriptures point us to:
- Authentic spirituality – surrender to God’s Spirit in all areas of their lives
- Creativity – dreaming, imagining, experimenting, expressing truth and love through their art
- Excellence – giving your best effort in everything, not settling for “good enough”
- Relational integrity – pursuing reconciliation and agape love in all relationships
- Discipleship – expressing your art in worship toward God and for the good of others. Our art should express not just the gospel, but a Biblical worldview over all aspects of life. It should express beauty that points others to God, as does all creation!
There is an upward and an outward aspect of our new hearts and this should be expressed in our art (and our lives).
Jesus put this quite clearly, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Questions to ponder: Do you have the heart of an artist? Is this your true self? If so how is it being expressed these days? What about this is Jesus address in your life now?
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