Art is a funny thing. There are artists that approach their work as an expression of their thoughts, dreams, opinions, experiences, and beliefs. If their art catches the eye of others they can make a living from this work. However, they mostly are concerned with creating meaningful & expressive art that is truly a reflection of themselves. There are artists that make a living based on creating work others envision. Though they may not be creating their own "personal" art...they can infuse a bit of themselves into their commissioned work, and find fulfillment artistically while getting paid. Then there are artists that start creating from a personal approach, but begin listening to the thoughts and opinions of others in order to help gain interest/sales for their work. I do believe that we need to seek the wisdom, opinions, and experience of other artists, but we must be careful not to lose ourselves in the midst of others' thoughts. We must stay true. Attempting to please others by changing ourselves will leave us unfulfilled & ineffective. In our attempt to speak to everyone, we will speak to no one through our work. It loses its "heart" when we try to become more marketable by changing our vision and artistic voice.
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10
As Christians, we have to be careful not to fall into the same "trap". Some believers are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. They are unable to connect to those around them, and therefore unable to share their story of the Good News that has changed their life. Then there are those who try to fit in so much with those around them that their testimony becomes ineffective. Their is no difference in their life in relation to the world. We must seek God first in our lives. In seeking God, we are not alienating ourselves from the world, but equipping ourselves to be in the world but not of it. In Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus says, " You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and foremost commandment. The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Love God! Love your neighbor! This will allow you to keep your priorities straight...and your life in balance. Be true to who God made you to be...and you WILL glorify him...and bring honor to him. Your life will be a praise to him!
No comments:
Post a Comment