Have you experienced the power of art dedicated to God? Art has this ability to touch us in a deep, emotional way and at the same time to teach us profound universal truths.
Art is the creative expression of a person in the form of music, painting, architecture, dancing, writing, poetry. Since God is a Creator it is not a surprise that He has initiated art and has endowed some people with certain talents and abilities for creative expression. Art is especially powerful and transforming when we dedicate it to God, as a form and ministry of worshipping Him and bringing Him glory.
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The Power of Art Dedicated to God
Art is ordained by God. In Exodus 33:1-11, Exodus 35:30–36:2 we read that God especially called and appointed two persons to do all the creative work, art and design of the Tabernacle. These two persons are Bezalel and Oholiab. It is interesting to know the meaning of their names in Hebrew. Bezalel means “in the Shadow (Protection) of God”.
Oholiab means “Father’s Tent, Father’s Shine” and is suggestive of light (or enlightenment) coming from the meeting in this tent. We can conclude that artists who God calls are both covered and enlightened by Him to fulfill their creative ministry.
Besides, no artist is meant to work alone. We need support, we need complementation, and encouragement. God invites us to collaboration, to inspire and build each other up.
Artists called by God are both covered and enlightened by Him to fulfill their creative ministry. #artists #art #creative #calling Share on XFilled with the Spirit of God
What is the source of the power of art dedicated to God? The key to the enormous transformative power of such art lies in the Source of all inspiration, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding – the Spirit of God. The mark of an artist who serves God through his art is his Spirit-filled life and faith-inspiring works.
This section in Exodus tells us the Spirit of God equips the artist with all necessary understanding, knowledge and all kind of skills to make artistic designs and works in all kinds of material. Maybe you are called to make artistic designs in words, in melodies, in songs, in colors, in food, in cloth, in stone… Whatever your specific creative calling is, remember that God is the initiator and the teacher, and He has a special purpose for you.
The mark of an artist who serves God through his art is a Spirit-filled life and faith-inspiring works. #artist #art #HolySpirit #inspiration #Scripture Share on XThe Art Dedicated to God and the Ability to Teach
The purpose of the art dedicated to God is to teach others. “And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others.“ (Exodus 35:34) What are we about to teach? Most importantly, our art should convey God’s eternal truths and point to His beauty, majesty, wisdom, power, and love.
The purest art reflects the Creator. The power of art dedicated to God lies in its extraordinary ability to convey spiritual truths in images, symbols, words, forms, sounds, and emotions. The art we create is our both our testimony and legacy.
The art we create is both our testimony and legacy. #art #creative #legacy #Bible Share on XCreating Skillfully and Joyfully
Psalm 33:1-3 gives instructs us why and how to praise and worship God through art. “Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.“
The aim of the God-inspired art and design is to praise God, point to Him, lead in His sanctuary, build up His temple by encouraging, inspiring and transforming people. Through art we can faithfully witness and express the joy of knowing and loving God.
This kind of art is born in worship and is an expression of worship. We are to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit, so we can sing new songs, both skillfully and joyfully.
The aim of the God-inspired art is to praise God, point to Him, and build up His temple by encouraging, inspiring, and transforming people. #inspiration #encouragement #transformation #art Share on XThe Best Combination: Integrity of Heart and Skillful Hands
There are two key characteristics God is looking for: integrity of heart and skillful hands. “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands, he led them.“ (Psalm 78:72)
This principle is not only valid for leadership but for art as well, and in fact for all kinds of work and ministry. Heart and hands go together. Skillful hands without a pure heart would not do the job, and pure heart without the needed skills and knowledge would not be enough. God is the Giver of skills and knowledge, but we are the ones primarily responsible for the integrity of our hearts.
Let’s resolve to keep our hearts clean and pure, in humble submission to God’s restorative and transformative work. Because this is the only acceptable way to serve Him.
“Those who are completely honest and faithful will be allowed to serve me.” (Psalm 101:6)
We need both integrity of heart and skillful hands to serve God in the best way. #integrity #skills #knowledge #serving #BibleTeaching Share on XYour Turn
What about you? Are you called to serve God through art? Come share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
The power of art dedicated to God lies in its ability to convey spiritual truths in images, symbols, words, forms, sounds, and emotions. #art #artist #power #symbol #emotions #Bible Share on XI send my newsletter “Keep the Faith” every two weeks. I share with you first the newest blog post, recommended books and articles, and the newest freebies and resources to keep the faith.
Great encouragement! I write and create for an audience of One and to bring Him glory.
Thank you! I am happy that this article has encouraged you!
Great thoughts! Everything we do should bring glory to God, and art is a unique and beautiful way to do that.
Thank you, Sharla! Yes, bringing glory to God should be always our deepest motivation.
Very good post. I just wish I had artistic talent Good read.
Thank you! I think everybody has a creative spark – only the tools and the areas are different. 🙂
I once watched a talented artist create a beautiful drawing while she was listening to worship music. It was definitely stirring and her way of using her gift to praise the Lord. Thanks for the reminder that God can use our talents in many ways.
Thank you for sharing this, Lisa! Yes, it is amazing what can happen when we decide to use our talents responsibly with a serving heart.
You really have the skillful hands, integrity of heart and the ability to teach. Thank you for this text.
Thank you so much for your encouraging words! 🙂