💖 DEVOTIONAL:
📖 SCRIPTURE:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." - Colossians 3:23
In Colossians 3:23, we are reminded to do everything we do with excellence, as if we are doing it for the Lord and not for human approval. This includes our creative pursuits.
One of my favorite examples of excellence in art that embodies this message is Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel painting. For me, this masterpiece serves as a reminder of the breathtaking beauty that can be achieved when we use our God-given talents to their fullest potential. Michelangelo labored over this painting, pouring his all into every stroke of his brush, seeking to honor God through his work. He was so dedicated to the excellence in his work that he meticulously included intricate details that are impossible to see and appreciate on ground level, possibly because he understood that his creation was not just meant for human eyes alone but for God's eyes as well.
As creatives, this means pouring our hearts and souls into our work, pushing ourselves to be better than we were yesterday, and seeking to improve our craft continually. It is not about seeking human approval or recognition but about using our talents as our form of worship, to glorify God and reflect His excellence.
When we pursue excellence in our creative endeavors, we reflect the heart of our Creator, who is a God of excellence. He has called us to use our unique gifts and talents to bring glory to His name and to share His love and truth with the world around us. As we do this, we can trust that He will use our work for His purposes, even if we may not always see the fruits of our labor.
So, let us desire to always bring glory to God and to mirror His excellence in all that we do, even in the small details that may go unnoticed by human eyes.
🙏 PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of creativity and for the opportunity to use it to honor You. As we engage in creative work, help us to remember that our creations are ultimately for Your glory, and not for our own sake. May we approach our work with a spirit of excellence, not seeking personal recognition or praise, but seeking to honor you through our work. Guide us in our pursuit of excellence, Lord, so that we may reflect Your greatness through our creations. May we never grow weary in doing good, but always strive to give our best in everything that we do. May our work bring joy and inspiration to those who encounter it, and may it always point others towards You. Amen.
🤔💭 PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
As you pursue excellence in your creative pursuits, take a moment to write down one specific action that you can commit to taking this month. Make sure it is something that is specific, measurable, and achievable. Then, place it in a prominent place where you will see it daily as a reminder of your commitment. Remember to choose something that challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and pushes you towards greater excellence in your craft. Let this activity be a step of faith towards achieving your creative goals and glorifying God with your talents.
“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.”
—Habakkuk 2:2
💡 PRACTICAL TIPS:
Striving for excellence in one’s work means not only producing a finished product that reflects your Creator's excellence but also committing to excellence in the entire creative process. Here are some practical tips to help you achieve this:
🏋️♀️ Practice makes better. Excellence is not just a one-time achievement but a continual pursuit. Practice is an essential aspect of achieving excellence in your creative pursuits. Set aside time for deliberate practice and work to hone your skills. Aim to continually improve and refine your craft for His glory!
🗣️ Input is an opportunity for improvement. Don't be afraid to seek feedback and critique from others. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and grow as an artist.
🕊️ Soar, but stay grounded in your faith. In the same way that a bird relies on its wings to soar and reach new heights, we must rely on our faith to lift us up and allow us to fulfill our purpose. And just as a bird's wings are uniquely designed for flight, so too are our gifts and talents uniquely designed for the work God has called us to do.
🧘♂️ Rest to be your best. Prioritize rest and self-care to avoid burnout and maintain your spiritual and emotional health. Schedule regular breaks, spend time outside of your work area, and engage in activities that recharge your creativity.
💡
Take risks, even if it means failing. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things, even if they don't always work out. Embrace the process of trial and error, as it can lead to breakthroughs in your creative work and help you discover new ways to glorify God with your talents. Remember that failure is not a setback, but an opportunity to learn and grow.
By committing to these practices, you can reflect the excellence of your Creator not only in the finished product but also in the process of creating it.
💪 CREATIVE CHALLENGE:
💡We're taking a little break from our creative challenge this week to brainstorm some fresh new ideas for the section. It looks like we need to switch things up a bit to get more of you involved! So, if you've got any cool ideas, we'd love to hear 'em! Just drop a comment below and let's make this section more awesome together!
⭐ ART FEATURE:
Check out these amazing works from some of our favorite artists on Instagram this week!
Are you a Christian creative who is just starting out on Instagram? We want to feature your work! Use the hashtag: #IndieBeginningBoost on your Instagram uploads to get a chance to be part of our weekly newsletter! 😎
Hey, creatives! 👋
Can you believe it's already March? Time really does fly!
We hope you're all doing well and staying safe. We've been busy with work and life, but we're excited to share more awesome content with you on Instagram in the coming weeks. We've got so many ideas and plans for creative projects this year, but not enough time to bring them all to life yet… *cough* creative workshop *cough* 🙊 Haha! But don't worry, we'll make sure to share them with all of you soon!
As always, we appreciate your prayers and support. Let's keep pushing forward together!
Blessings,
Brian Vee,
Founder, Indie Beginning