art
noun \ˈärt\
: something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings
: works created by artists
: paintings, sculptures, etc., that are created to be beautiful or to express important ideas or feelings
: the methods and skills used for painting, sculpting, drawing, etc.
glo·ry
noun \ˈglȯr-ē\
: public praise, honor, and fame
: praise of a god or goddess
: something that brings praise or fame to someone or something
: something that is a source of great pride
I see praise and worship as a form of art. Think about it....there are so many different ways that an individual can praise and glorify God. Singing, dancing, poetry, just to name a few. People pour out their emotions and feelings when doing these things and on the flip side, the people who watch are affected and inspired. I know this because I am one of those "watchers". I like to picture us all as artists, put on this earth glorify God and reach people through our gifts, talents and interests. What's so beautiful about this is, everyone's artistic ability and who they can reach is different.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15 New International Version (NIV)
10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
Church isn't the only place that God can be glorified through our gifts. I am a firm believer that God should be glorified in ALL that we do; and at ALL times. This means we should pay close attention to the way that we carry ourselves and how we interact with others. What we do, will ALWAYS affect someone else, whether in a negative or positive way. Art does that...it stirs something up inside of you and causes you to act. So, knowing that we are all artists (builders) on this God given canvas (foundation)...we should ensure every day that our paintings are inspiring, thought provoking, positive, and reflective of one thing...God. Only what we do for Him will last. He owns and operates this museum of artwork by his children and is always willing to give us a clean canvas if we mess up.
Hebrews 12:2 King James Version (KJV)
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Take what God has given you and use it for HIS glory! My main purpose of starting this blog is to use all of my interests and gifts to help inspire and encourage someone else in a positive way. God gets all the glory and He always will.
Check in weekly to see what I am up to!
Hope you enjoy,
Ci