At the end of your life, it won’t be the art you created that makes the biggest difference.
It won’t be the accolades, the awards, the standing ovations, or the powerful performances.
It will be the influence you’ve had on others. And the root of powerful influence comes from your heart.
If you don’t care for your heart, no one will. It is your responsibility and yours alone.
I love influencing others. But positive influence doesn’t just happen because you’re talented, charismatic, or the best in the world. It comes because you have a heart that’s worth reproducing in others.
The Voice
I don’t like to bash TV shows. I realize their place in entertainment.
But as I watched The Voice finale last night, I found it sobering how much we celebrate a voice. If you have a great voice you’re an instant celebrity. We’ll take you to your hometown to do a concert with crowds of adoring fans. We’ll give you awards. A new car.
Samuel was right:
“Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart” (I Samuel 16:7).
Man praises good looks, talent, intelligence, and great performance. God is after something deeper.
He wants to know who you are behind closed doors.
He wants to know what is left after everything else is stripped away.
He wants to know what defines you as a person.
He loves your voice, but is looking at your heart.
The Praise of People
It’s tempting to focus on the art – on the outward appearance. Why? Because that’s what everyone sees. We’re obsessed with what people think about us, what they say about us, and how they view…us.
We parade our creations to find worth in what people think when in reality we have all we need in the eyes of Christ.
We place less value on the closed door because no one sees that to offer a compliment.
But then I read this:
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).
I’m not advocating you give up creating and sign up for an eternal quiet time with Jesus. What I’m advocating is evaluating the reason you make art – the reason you create.
Just take a step back and look at your heart. Don’t give up creating, beat yourself up, and weep and wail, wearing sackcloth and ashes.
Consider this a checkpoint. Ask the question, “Why do I make art?”
Is it an extension of your heart or a chasing after the approval of others? Is it arising from a place of passion for Jesus or desperation for approval?
Your Best Art
Solomon, arguably the wisest person who ever lived, at the end of his life said, “Above all else, guard your heart.”
Above.
All.
Else.
More important than improving your craft. More important than using your talent. Guard your heart.
Because your best art will flow from a healthy heart anyway. A heart that knows its place in the story of God. A heart that beats for the glory of God.
You are an influencer. You are a creator of culture, not just a consumer. You are a reflector of the glory of God on the earth. You shine the light of Jesus into the darkest places.
Artist, don’t neglect your heart.
Question: I want to hear from you. How do you care for your heart as an artist? How are you making it a priority? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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Thanks David for this blog. I think this was the most meaningful and convicting post I have read. I watched the Voice finally too last night! Had a band practice with the SonFest committee I am a part of last night ( a Christian music festival) & I now relect after reading your article how desperate I was in needing words of affirmation from my bandmates after singing a few songs. After focusing so much on having a different vocal style for whatever the song called for…I realize I was more interested in being praised for the sound of my voice talents than for being appreciated for having Christlikeness in my heart and attitude. Thoroughly convicting! Thanks for this post. In fact, love all of them!
Agreed… this makes me think twice about where my heart is. God cares about our heart’s intent, not about how well we put on worship shows. Thanks for always being so encouraging David! Fav blog. For reals.
Emilie, thanks so much! Heart’s intent vs worship shows – I love that!
Thanks Stacy! I think the desire for compliments and approval will always be there. We can’t completely silence it, but we can learn to ignore it and focus our attention on what God says about us.
This caught my eye. From more of a visual arts perception-I’m always concerned and somewhat disturbed that I am not able to find time to create, painting and drawing, an area I feel I am gifted in and enjoy. My occupation does not allow for much creativity. I’m always thinking I would want my art to be used for the glory of God. However it makes more sense that I can be more of an influence in my daily life by actions of compassion and kindness.
Karen, this is a tension all artists face – finding the time. Sometimes all it takes is looking at your schedule objectively and seeing what can go. Oftentimes we can find pockets of creative time if we’re intentional about it. I know the struggle all too well!
David,
Every praise team where I have served has discussed this issue, but your choice of words and scripture has such a sense of eliminating the unnecessary and making the task more clear and do-able. I have shared it with many in the last 24 hours. Excellent! But I know you don’t need my approval, I believe you have Jesus’.
Haha! Thanks Dennis. And let me just say – thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to share. You don’t know how helpful that is. Blessings!
I agree about keeping your heart in the right place before the rest of life’s pursuits. My aunt quoted that verse to me when I was younger, (Proverbs 4:23) “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life,” when I had some choices to make. Your emphasis to do so consciously, even amongst our pursuits, is a great reminder! Thanks for posting.
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