💖 DEVOTIONAL:
"His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’" - Matthew 25:23 (ESV)
Picture a library, where each book represents a unique creative journey. Some books are thick with chapters filled with accomplishments, while others appear to have just started. In this library, there's a natural inclination to compare chapters. We question, 'Why does their art shine brilliantly, and their path seem so effortless, while mine often feels inadequate and brimming with challenges?'
It's a common human temptation to compare our chapter one to someone else's chapter twenty. We may glance at the lives of others and feel inadequate, as if we're falling behind in the story of our creative life. But here's the truth: God is the Author of our lives, and He crafts each chapter with intention. Your chapter one is just as important in the grand narrative as someone else's chapter twenty. Do not rush. Trust His process. Do not envy others’ skills or achievements. Instead, be steadfast in honing yours and keep your eyes on His promises.
The Bible often uses metaphors to guide us. Think of the parable of the talents. Each servant was entrusted with different talents, and their duty was to use them faithfully. It wasn't about having the most talents; it was about being faithful with what they had.
Your creative journey mirrors this parable. God has entrusted you with distinctive skills, experiences, and opportunities. When you're faithful with what you have instead of comparing yourself to others, you're honoring God's unique design for your life. Your art is a part of a masterpiece crafted by the Creator, each brushstroke telling a story.
Don't allow the trap of comparison to steal your joy and creativity. Your artistic journey isn't a contest; it's an unfolding story written by the Divine Artist. Embrace your beginnings with humility and faith, knowing that God's plan for you is a masterpiece in progress.
🙏 PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, help us escape the comparison trap. In our creative journey, grant us the grace to appreciate our uniqueness. Teach us to be faithful with the talents You've entrusted to us, recognizing that our art is a reflection of Your craftsmanship. May we find favor in Your eyes, not by comparing ourselves to others, but by being faithful to the gifts You've given us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
🤔💭 APPLICATION:
Reflect on your artistic journey. In what ways have you compared yourself to more experienced artists? How can you shift your focus to be faithful with the unique gifts and opportunities God has given you, rather than comparing yourself to others?
💡 TIP OF THE WEEK:
📈 Focus on progress, not perfection. Instead of fixating on how your work measures up to others, celebrate the small victories and growth along your path. Keep a journal of your creative journey, noting the skills you've acquired and the obstacles you've overcome. Remember, every master was once a beginner. Embrace the process and trust that your unique journey will lead you to extraordinary places.
Hey, creatives!👋
Can you believe it? We're one day away from wrapping up #InkspiredInktober, and it's been a fantastic ride. Don't let up now; finish strong and let your creativity shine!
You might've noticed we've been a bit quiet on our IG page lately. That's because we've been knee-deep in a huge creative project. Every year, we get super excited about putting our creative juices to work in honoring the awesome leaders and volunteers at our local church, and this year we decided to put write and perform a musical play. It's one of those creative & collaborative projects we really look forward to pulling off.
So, tell us, are you involved in your local church too? What's your volunteer ministry? Share your answer in the comments below!
As we juggle art and service, remember to stay inspired and keep creating. Your passion's not just lighting up the creative world; it's making a difference in your community. Keep it up!
Thanks for being part of our awesome Inkspired community. Let's keep supporting each other on this creative journey. Together, we're changing the world with our art.
Stay inspired and keep those creative fires burning!
Brian Vee,
Founder, Indie Beginning
🙋♂️Ask Us Anything!
We want to hear from you and help you with any burning questions you might have! Send us your questions via Instagram by clicking the button below. We can't wait to hear from you! 👇
I work in the children’s ministry and we’re always thinking of ways to engage the students within the lesson, whether through games, arts and crafts, music, theaters and even simply open discussion.
My local church just started a church plant, so a lot of my time is poured into trying to redesign what "church" looks like as we have this opportunity to do things in a new way. But sometimes the time gets sucked into "continuing" church in the meantime, which can sometimes feel like missing the point. But yeah, I've had lots of creative things to pour my passions and gifts into there!