Faithfulness

This year God is leading me to focus on walking in a greater measure of faithfulness. I’ll admit I would much rather have focussed on any number of other things instead of this!

But the Bible has a unique quality that I love. Obeying it, by making little changes, when prompted by Holy Spirit, brings about disproportionately great blessing! 

Developing faithfulness is an opportunity for more blessing in my life and art. God's goodness is beyond measure, so although I have already experienced much, why not press in for those blessings I have yet to enjoy?

Seeking God, Watercolor, Sara Joseph, 22 x 30" "O God, You have taught me from my youth; And to this day I declare Your wondrous works." Psalm 71:17Seeking God, Watercolor, Sara Joseph, 22 x 30"

Faithfulness: what does the Bible say?

Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man? Proverbs 20:6 

A faithful copy of a work of art looks exactly like the original. Any deviation from the original would make the it an unfaithful rendition.

What will faithfulness look like for me, as an artist? It will be demonstrated by

  • Quick and cheerful obedience to God's promptings
  • Doing exactly what He tells me

I don't kid myself that it will be easy, but this is the quality of faithfulness I am striving to develop! The Lord is teaching me to not confuse diligence with faithfulness. 

If I do not use His gifts in His way then I am being unfaithful, even if I worked diligently, and the final outcome looked terrific in everyone’s eyes, including my own! Protesting, varying His  instructions, or doing it in any way that seems appropriate to me, is not faithfulness!

Faithfulness requires following fastidiously, with great attention to detail, God’s plans and purposes for my life.

In the pursuit of art, I am working at not seeking to satisfy the demands of others, or even chase after my own passions. Instead, I am learning the importance of taking time to wait for His leading and then to obey in every detail.

faithfulness: why is it so important to god?

In the world of creativity, when resources and choices are abundant, self expression is the norm.

But as Christian artists, we are called to a distinctly different pursuit. We are stewards of the King of Kings.  It is His gifting and resources that we are called to deploy and His wishes we must make our priority!

You may not have much as an artist, or you may be well supplied. Whatever state you find yourself in, you have this one precious gift— that of free will. You possess the ability to be willing to steward His resources.

He will then empower you in ways you cannot imagine!

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2

Faithfulness: Why does it require so much faith?

Creating art, with the Lord’s purposes in mind, can sometimes feel like  a lonely journey. It is often a challenging pursuit requiring an enormous amount of faith. The temptation to compromise is constantly present. Few will commend your pursuit. More will be the voices that urge you into popular paths and easier journeys.

The Bible says that true faithfulness will ultimately become extremely rare and priceless in God’s eyes. Jesus wondered if He would find faithfulness upon the earth when He returned! 

…..Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:8

I want Jesus to find me full of faith and faithful!

Developing in faithfulness is not only necessary, but your future as an artist depends on how faithful you are today. Small changes you make in your resolve to not compromise have the potential to revolutionize your future because there are blessings associated with faithfulness.

We have a cloud of witnesses cheering us on— faithful Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Daniel... and in the New Testament—Jesus, who is the best example of all! They demonstrate that what God asks of us is not impossible!

faithfulness: why so rare?

Your decision to develop in faithfulness will be contested at every turn. Influences in our fallen world will challenge your resolve to be faithful. I know that my very nature rebels, wanting always to do things my way! Satan will also contest it by tossing every challenge he can your way to distract or deter you.

Developing faith and faithfulness is priceless in value! Few will rise to its challenges.

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love.

Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls." 1Pe 1:6-9

As an artist, I will strive this year to be ever more sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. I will create art as a reflection of the love I have for Jesus. I will trust His many promises to me, especially this one below that promises blessing to those who are faithful!

"A faithful man will abound with blessings..." Proverbs 28:20

I like to “abound with blessings,” don’t you? Join me in being faithful to God, in obedience, as we embark on another year of art and creativity.

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