Being a Creative and a Christian

Being a Creative and a Christian is the most natural pairing in the world. Unfortunately I’ve heard a few, dare I say unscriptural persons caution against such “worldly” things as song, music, painting, writing. This breaks my heart. Our God is a creative Himself! He is in fact the Master Creator!

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1 NIV)

So regardless of what you may have heard before as to whether being an artist and creative is biblical, I will say an adamant yes, yes, and yes! Please make and share what you feel led to.

Key word above is led. We want to, in all things, make sure we are honoring God.  

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Cor 10:31 NIV)

I love how the NLT translates Proverbs 3:9 – … with all we produce. 

Honor the Lord with your wealth

    and with the best part of everything you produce. (Proverbs 3:9 NLT)

I feel that this translation takes it beyond the traditional money/tithing context we typically hear and covers everything we put our hands to. For art – whether we dance, paint, write, sing, etc. these are things we are producing from the spirit of creativity which God first gave to us, so the works produced should be offered to God, in praise and thanksgiving.

Time to unleash your inner artist! Allow your voice to belt free (even if not pitch perfect). Swirl and whirl on the dance floor. Move those paint brushes and pens. But always make sure to ask yourself a couple quick questions.

1. What would Jesus say upon seeing / hearing this?
2. What would your church family say? 
3. Does this encourage others? 
4. Does this increase the good in the world? 
5. If still in question or doubt, it’s a great idea to talk to your pastor or a church elder about what you’d like to pursue to get their opinions (which should also be backed with scripture).

I want to call out #4 especially. Don’t forget that we are entreated by Paul to always be mindful of what is holy, pure, and good, that we leave no foothold for Satan.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philipians 4:8 NIV)

 

… and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:27-29 NIV)

Let’s take time this week to delve into the art we’ve been gifted and, I’ll further encourage you to share with others whom it might brighten their day.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

    Worship the Lord with gladness;

    come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.

    It is he who made us, and we are his;

    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. (Psalm 100:1-3 NIV)

 

To kick off the share – here is a poem I wrote during one of the few warm days we’ve had here in the northern north east this summer. I hope it makes you smile!

Please tag me in your creations. I would love to see them!