Some paintings appear so realistic, we can mistake them for photographs:
Painting by Simon Luttichuys, 1650
And while studying the fine brush strokes, the accuracy of color, proportion, and shading, we wonder, How can someone paint like that?
Architecture can stir up the same awe in our hearts. Gloucester Cathedral in England offers a fine example:
The foundation was laid in 1089, and forty-one years later the builders completed the main structure. Its fan-vaulting is a marvel of architecture; its Great East Window is the size of a tennis court.
Other forms of artistic genius can bring us to tears, like a soul-stirring song or a writer’s words that surprise us by their beauty or wisdom.
Some of you have devoted yourselves to training and practiced for hours in order to achieve expertise in one or more of these fields. Others of us have to make do with amateur efforts.
But there’s one dimension where we can all participate with glorious results—as artists of the soul. Scripture provides a few guidelines for us, as we consider the strengths of the masters in each of the above pursuits. For example:
The perceptive artist sees differently.
Just as an artist sees more than most of us—the subtleties of detail, color, light, and contour—the enlightened heart sees all the nuances of hope that God supplies–for positive change, answers to prayer, better tomorrows, and eternal life.
In addition, hope splashes the colors of joy into our souls and casts light into every corner.
The skilled architect builds solidly.
The requirements for a stable structure include a firm foundation on rock, sturdy walls, and a reliable roof.
A soul that is stable and secure for eternity must include the same entities: a firm foundation of faith on our Rock, Jesus Christ, sturdy walls of certainty in God’s truth, and reliable protection over us in the storms of life [1].
The effective writer communicates plainly.
All writers seek to tell their story or share their message with clarity; all of us who follow Jesus should desire to communicate clearly our love and trustworthiness.
But how we express these traits may vary–especially when it comes to love–just as authors’ writing-styles can differ.
For example, you may know a person who exhibits warmheartedness toward others with his cheerfulness and infectious laugh, someone else by listening and empathizing, and still another by lending a hand wherever needed.
But no matter our style, love (and integrity) are what we’re called to communicate [2].
The proficient vocalist and instrumentalist express passion.
Those who really know how to express music bring more to their performance than perfected technique. They sing or play from their hearts and artfully communicate the emotion of the piece.
In Psalm 147:7 above, we’re told our music before God should communicate grateful praise. And genuine gratitude sparks passion. We’d do well to remember our audience also:
“Sing [or play] as if performing for a King.
You are.”
Unknown
Even as we strive to honor God, a small miracle unfolds within us: the music washes away from our souls the dust of everyday life [3].
So, as an artist of the soul, what form will your worship take today? Will you:
- Determine to splash the colors of joy in your spirit with the nuances of hope?
- Add more bricks of faith from God’s Word, to increase your stability?
- Communicate love and faithfulness to those around you?
- Sing or play your grateful praise to God your King—with passion? (Remember, he won’t mind a bit if it’s not perfect.)
Let’s make today a work of art for him!
[1] 1 Corinthians 3:11; Psalm 91:2; Psalm 5:11.
[2] John 13:35; Proverbs 4:26 NIV
[3] Based on a Berthold Auerbach quote
Art & photo credits: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org (2); http://www.wallpaperflare.com; http://www.pxfuel.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.peakpx.com; http://www.commonswikimedia.org.
From the Inside Out 