💖 DEVOTIONAL:
📖 SCRIPTURE:
“…People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
- 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
We often hear the words from 1 Samuel 16:7 emphasizing the importance of the heart. And indeed, the condition of our hearts is paramount to our relationship with God. Our motives, intentions, and character matter greatly when it comes to creating art that glorifies Him. However, today, let us shift our focus to the second part of this verse—the part that doesn't always receive as much attention:
"People look at the outward appearance."
In a world bombarded by visual stimuli, it's crucial for us as Christian artists to recognize the significance of creating art that captivates the eyes of our audience. Although God primarily looks at our hearts, we must acknowledge that humans are drawn to beauty and excellence. We live in a culture that values aesthetics, and our art has the potential to serve as a powerful medium for spreading the Gospel.
Reflecting on my own journey, I remember a pivotal moment during my first year in college when I first attended a Sunday worship service. The visual elements used during that service, such as the stunning graphics and videos, caught my attention and piqued my curiosity. I recall being enthralled by an incredible under the sea animation for the preaching series: Into the Deep. It was through these visually captivating elements that I was initially drawn to attend and explore more about God.
That encounter sparked a desire within me to contribute to the creation of art that would inspire others to seek God. I distinctly remember thinking, "One day, I want to be part of the team that makes this." Little did I know that this seed of inspiration would lead me to become a full-time graphic artist in my church—a role I have been joyfully serving for the past ten years.
By creating art that appeals to the eyes of our audience, we have the opportunity to capture their attention and open doors for the Gospel to be shared. It's not about compromising the message or focusing solely on aesthetics, but rather it's about recognizing that excellence and creativity can be powerful tools to convey the timeless truth of God's love.
When we combine the excellence of our craftsmanship with the purity of our hearts, we create a compelling platform for the message of the Gospel to shine brightly. Let us strive to present our art in a way that is both visually appealing and spiritually impactful. Through our creations, we can engage others in a way that draws them closer to God, just as I was drawn closer to Him through that first captivating experience.
🙏 PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts and talents You have bestowed upon us as Christian creatives. Help us to remember that our art has the power to capture the attention of others and open doors for the Gospel to be preached. Guide us as we seek to create visually appealing and spiritually impactful work. May our art be a vessel that draws people closer to You, ignites curiosity, and plants seeds of faith in their hearts. Fill us with Your wisdom, inspiration, and discernment as we create, and may the beauty of our art reflect the beauty of Your love. In Jesus' name,
🤔💭 APPLICATION:
Reflect on a time when you were personally impacted by a visually captivating piece of Christian art. How did it draw you closer to God or ignite your curiosity about Him? How can you use your artistic talents to create similar experiences for others, bridging the gap between aesthetics and the Gospel message?
💡 TIP OF THE WEEK:
🤝 Embrace collaboration with non-Christian artists: While it's essential to have a Christian community, don't shy away from collaborating with non-Christian artists. By working together while making sure not to compromise on your convictions, you can bridge gaps, share perspectives, and create art that reflects the beauty and commonality of the human experience. Such collaborations can challenge both you and your audience to explore deeper spiritual truths.
❓Q & A:
How to keep your ‘ego’ in check? Not getting taken over by a focus on likes and stuff? —i.am.here.my.dudes
Love this question! Here are some tips that come to mind:
Set your intentions: Prioritize glorifying God and sharing His love through your content. Remind yourself daily of your true purpose & calling as a Christian creative.
Serve others: Shift your focus from seeking validation to genuinely serving and uplifting your audience. Create content that adds value, inspires, and brings hope. Shift the question in your mind from “how can I get more likes”, to “how can I serve my audience better?”
Limit comparison: Avoid constantly comparing your likes and followers with others. Instead, celebrate the uniqueness of your own journey and the impact you can make.
Regularly reflect and pray: Set aside time for introspection, prayer, and seeking guidance from God. Ask for His wisdom in aligning your online presence with His will.
While this list is not comprehensive, I hope these practical tips help you in keeping your ‘ego’ in check and resisting the allure of popularity. Have a blessed week!
Brian Vee,
Founder, Indie Beginning
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Love this! Definitely agree on the emphasis of the second half of the verse and hadn't thought about it from this perspective!!