What does growth look like in art? Is it a more realistic figure, a landscape that shows an understanding of atmospheric perspective, or a still life that shows a mastery of values/shadows/highlights? Is it being able to capture emotion that translates to the viewer? Is it the artist gaining a greater understanding of their work & why they create as they do? Growth can take so many forms in art. Whatever type of growth...there is one thing that is present for it to occur....HARD WORK! My students ask me all the time how I became a good artist. I always tell them that it has taken a long time & a lot of practice. If you want to become great at any art form or profession (sometimes they are one in the same) ...you must invest yourself in almost every way to accomplish it! However, growth will happen differently for everyone.
AUG JAN
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 1 Timothy 4:13-15
Paul is writing to Timothy, encouraging him to continue to do the things needed to grow in his faith & so that those around him will come to know the Lord and grow in their faith. He uses the words DEVOTE & DILIGENT when writing Timothy. These are not words of a passivity. They are words of action/work. There are many believers that do not invest themselves into their faith. They said a prayer, go to church, and own a Bible, but not much more than that would indicate their belief. If you want to grow in your relationship with God, see Him work in & through you, and impact those around you.....it takes effort. I'm not promoting a works oriented faith...because we can not "earn" salvation/God's love. That is a free gift! I'm saying...as with any relationship...you have to invest in it! Paul was telling Timothy that very thing here in this section of scripture. The growth that happens should not be compared to those around you. We are all at different points on our journey. Our journey may not be the same as those around us. Our strengths, struggles, and gifts will grow/develop/change as we pursue (another action kind of word) our God. As we spend time in the Word, pray, fellowship with believers, give, sacrifice (oh we don't like that word), serve....we will see growth! That growth might not look the same in me as it looks in you....but it is beautiful no matter!
PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for growth.
Help me to pursue you with all of my heart so that
I might grow as I go through life!
May I never be satisfied with average, but desire
to be my best for your glory & honor.
AMEN
Amen
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