By Narelle Tout
Though I produce powerful images and moving artistic statements; If I create without love to touch and point to God it is futile and empty. And though I be a gifted artist, able to render incredible pieces in many mediums; though my art hangs in big important galleries and influences nations, if it is not created in love and obedience to God, it is utterly worthless. Though I have good intentions and want to make people happy; though I donate my profits to charity and even give away most of my art; if it is not produced out of love and obedience to god it does me no good and gives no peace. Love and obedience to God can mean producing art that takes time; art that is unique; isnt just for arts sake or for self glorification; it doesnt seek to shock or put down; is not egotistical; it isnt reactionary art and doesnt serve worldly ends; it doesnt celebrate worldly values, but celebrates Gods truths; is humble, reachable, full of truth and hope and has an enduring message. Art produced from a love and obedience to God is always valid.
But whether there are fad arts, they grow old and out of fashion; whether there are arts that are technically perfect, they will be forgotten; whether there be art that costs millions, and is worshipped my many it will pass away. But art, that is created in obedience to God, with a love for Him and people, can make an eternal difference to lives. When I was an immature artist, my art was crude and childish, centred around me; but as Ive grown, that has been left behind replaced with an art that grows as God teaches me more of His truths and I respond. For now the art that I produce is still growing not totally as it could be I dont wholly understand all God has in store to nurture and train me in. But then, I will one day follow fully where He leads. Now I am learning one day my art will be entirely transparent, as I will be; totally in obedience to and glorifying God. There is art which edifies, art that brings hope, art that touches lives, and art created in obedience to God, and with a love for people. Many kinds of art but the greatest is that produced in love and obedience to God.