Mar 6, 2012 1
Taking Root: Creating
Taking Root is a series of meditations I’m writing and editing for Central Vineyard Church during the season of Lent. You can download the podcast version of each post by subscribing to my church’s podcast or visiting the podcast blog for each day of the series.
Today’s post is by Jeremy Slagle of Central Vineyard.
When we think of great artists, names like Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and others come to mind. But before they were recognized for the achievements in museums, they were painters employed by the church to create art. Let me say that again with emphasis: they were employed by the church to create art.
The church recognized that because God’s attribute of creativity is so important and because people are made in His image, it is essential for humans to create. It’s a part of who we are.
Children are creative from day one. Young children go through large quantities of crayons and paper, play-doh, and paste. They can’t get enough of it.
But something happens in our culture as children get older. By the time they reach middle school a vast majority no longer see themselves as creative. Many stop creating because they are afraid of what others will say about their art. Experts say that after 9th grade it’s nearly impossible to change a person’s mind about his/her creative side.
On the flip side, if you ever take an art class given through a local arts group or recreation center, you will notice a disproportionately large number of older folks. For most, it is because they are retired and they want to return to doing something they once loved to do but work and family got in the way, and they had to put it off.
Creativity Is Important to God
This, of course, is a major understatement. God cares so much for his creation that even when it turned its back on Him and decided to live for itself, He sacrificed his only son for it.
• Jesus came to earth as a carpenter’s son, learning a trade that allowed him to use his hands to work the wood that he once spoke into existence.
• In Genesis God used a craftsman named Noah to build an enormous ark which saved mankind and all of the animals.
• Moses rose to power as royal architect in Egypt before he lead his people out of slavery.
• In the Psalms we read the lyrics of a gifted writer named David as he writes songs of praise and defeat, betrayal and victory.
• King Solomon’s record of the building of the temple accounts the painstaking detail that was given by the best artists in the land as they dedicated years to building a physical building as a place of worship to the most high God.
The scriptures are filled with creative people who are called on to use their talents to further God’s plan on earth.
Being creative doesn’t mean it’s your profession or even your passion. There are creative people in all businesses and many have found it a way to connect with a part of themselves that has been dormant since they held a crayon in second grade.
Some do this with music, others with paint, but the overwhelming reason they do it is because the feel like they should. Not because they are forced to but because it brings them joy. It requires them to take time and get messy. For the believer it has an even deeper reason–to connect with the creator.
As Christians, we should see creativity as a gift: something we do to get in touch with God.
Drawing as meditation: Forget the audience
Use a sketchbook and block out any concerns about an audience. Explore where God wants to lead you. Take time to also write notes about what you are drawing. Take time to think about what you are drawing. Worship the creator and think about His design. Thank Him for giving you a new appreciation for his marvelous skills.
Involve the Family in Creativity
Creativity doesn’t have to be put on the top shelf until you’re an empty-nester. Make it a part of your routine and include your children in it by buying them a sketchbook and documenting their experiences with drawings and collages.
It’s never Too Late to be Creative–
Drawing is the most fundamental form of art. All you need is a pencil and paper and you’re on your way. Buy an unlined sketchbook and pick one thing a day to draw. Don’t worry about how it looks when you are done. It’s for your eyes only. Find groups within your community that teach drawing or plein air painting and get involved. The best way to do anything better is to practice and art is no different.
Calling for a new Renaissance
Visit a gallery show or artist group and ask them what inspires them to create. Take time to visit a museum, go to a concert, read a biography of an artist.
For Meditation:
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1
“A Christian should use these arts to the glory of God, not just as tracts, mind you, but as things of beauty to the praise of God. An art work can be a doxology in itself.”
Refractions
