Is God Calling Me to be an Artist?

Most parents get their kids into art or music lessons so they can be well-rounded, but usually the assumption is that these things will be hobbies and not career choices.  When a person does decide to pursue an artistic career field, their parents usually beg them to change their minds!  They tend to assume that their poor child is going to starve for the rest of his days unless he gets a “real job.”

What’s wrong with this entire conversation?  The parents are telling their children to use their own human logic to choose a career path instead of listening to what the Lord has called and equipped them to do with their lives.

And yes – God does call people to art-related fields.

God Called Artists By Name in the Old Testament

Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ² “See, I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. ³ I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, ⁴ to make artistic designs for work in gold, in silver, and in bronze, ⁵ and in the cutting of stones for settings, and in the carving of wood, that he may work in all kinds of craftsmanship. ⁶ And behold, I Myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill, that they may make all that I have commanded you: ⁷ the tent of meeting, and the ark of testimony, and the mercy seat upon it, and all the furniture of the tent, ⁸ the table also and its utensils, and the pure gold lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, ⁹ the altar of burnt offering also with all its utensils, and the laver and its stand, ¹⁰ the woven garments as well, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, with which to carry on their priesthood; ¹¹ the anointing oil also, and the fragrant incense for the holy place, they are to make them according to all that I have commanded you.”     –    Exodus 31:1-11

What did the LORD offer as proof that He had called these men to be artists?

1.)     The Holy Spirit –  their work was touched by the Spirit of God

2.)     Wisdom & Understanding –  they were blessed with insight into how their craft could be used for heavenly purposes

3.)     Knowledge –  they had a solid intellectual grasp of their art and “picked up” on this quickly

4.)    Craftmanship – they had a natural talent for their craft that could only have come from God

 

Is God Calling Me to Be an Artist?

If God called artists by name in the Old Testament, then there’s no reason why He couldn’t do the same today.  Of course, you might be thinking to yourself: But so many young people dream of careers in acting, singing, or art – and so few actually make it!  How can I know that it is the Lord calling me to this artistic field, and that this isn’t just some random dream of my own?

Well, ask yourself the following questions:

1.)     Is my artistic work spirit-filled?   –  (When you create or perform your craft, can you feel the Lord’s presence in a tangible way?  Are others touched by this, and do they come out changed?)

2.)    Has God given me a vision for my work? –  (Do you have a clear understanding of how your artistic efforts can advance God’s Kingdom work, and what steps you need to take to make this happen?)

3.)    Does learning about this field come easily to me?  –  (When you’ve taken classes or read books related to your craft, have you picked up on the material quickly?  Do you enjoy learning all you can about this area, and teaching it to others?)

4.)    Do I have God-given talent in this field?  –  (Anyone can improve their skills through practice, but do you have a natural gift in this area – something that you’ve always had and can only be explained as a gift from the Lord? )

If you can answer the questions above with a hearty “yes,” then there is a very good chance that the Lord is calling you to spend your life serving Him with your artistic gifts.  It won’t be an easy road, but you’ll have the joy, the peace, the beauty, and the fulfillment that comes with knowing you are doing exactly what you were called by name to do.

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