Untitled Sermon

Artistic Implications of the Imago Dei. Imago Dei; a Latin word that means the Image of God. We hear that term a lot, but what does it truly mean? Looking to Genesis 1, we see the creation of the Universe, “In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth (ESV).” As believers, we know this to be true; we have studied our Bibles and we know that God is the Creator of the world. Woven throughout Genesis 1, God is creating light, darkness, plants, animals, and finally, humans. “So, God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female, He created them (ESV).”

The creation of humans, though, was unlike the others. “Then the Lord formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature (ESV).” Notice the word “formed.” The Lord took time to form man from the dust. There was no speaking man into existence. It took time. In Psalm 139:15 it states, “my frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth (ESV).” Another word, “intricately,” which means, “in a very complicated or detailed manner.” This relates to the creativity and uniqueness that God put into us as humans. He thought of us and chose us to be image bearers of Him.

Creativity relates to that one statement, Imago Dei. The truth in that statement is that we were created to worship and glorify Him. In that, we were also created to strive to be more like Him every day. Though no human creativity could be on the same level of Christ’s, He has given us that ability, in many different forms, used to glorify Him. There is no better way to live like Christ, to live in His image, than to be creative in all we do.

Meaning is one thing that should be in our minds as we look at those blank papers or canvases. When God created us in His image, he had meaning behind it. That meaning or purpose was so we could glorify Him in everything and point others to Him. We are to worship Him in our bodies, words, relationships, etc. Creating our own artwork should have that meaning and purpose in mind. Pointing everything back to the One who gave us that ability. We were made to be creative in all areas of our life. Providing the Arts for students encourages them to use their creativity with the mindset of glorifying the Lord and pointing others to Him (A mind for the beautiful).

God’s creative attributes in art. The attributes of God are many. Every day we are confronted with the reality of God’s power and our weakness, of God’s greatness and our inability. One attribute that is seen in His creativity is His originality. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made (ESV).” John 1 describes God’s originality well. He was there in the beginning. Even before things were in existence, He was there. No matter or form already existed, without Him nothing would exist (Toward a biblical theory of aesthetics).

This truth shows that as God was original, we are also original. We can never reach the full capacity of originality but we are called to invent, create new art. Those creations that we make are just a glimpse of what God can do. That small glimpse can lead to the understanding of the Gospel. God is truly the beginning and the end. There is no end to Him. Yet, He decided to create us to show His glory and worship Him. Creating our own originals, can guide the students to discovering the truth that they too are originals, loved by God in every way.

Kenosis means, “self-emptying.” This attribute of God may be one of the most important. Every artist understands the struggle of pride. Walking off the stage, with the ringing of applause still in the background, it is easy for one to become prideful. Christ’s life was the opposite of pride. He lived every day on earth looking to serve and love others. Philippians 2:1-11 talks of His selflessness. It challenges us to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit,” proceeding to say that we should instead, strive to be like Christ.

Imagine having the choice to send your only Son to die for others. That is what God did; sending His only Son to die on the cross, the worst of deaths, for you and me. Jesus was sent to the cross to die. Complaints or refusals were not mentioned in the Gospels but instead he went meekly and willingly to the foot of the cross. He was the Son of God but not once did he ask for this to be taken away. “Not as I will, but as you will (Matthew 26:39c),” was Christ’s prayer.

As believers, we need to live a life of selflessness. Seeking to serve Christ and others. As artists, we also need to live a life seeking to please the Lord, not others. When you walk off a stage, finish a painting, or finish a poem, remember who gave you that ability and remember, also, He has the power to take it away. Never forget the true Artist. Teaching students such skill will help them as they navigate through life, during school and after.

Christian view of the artist. The bringing together of Christianity and art is difficult for some. For many, art is seen as too liberal and not related to the Lord. Unfortunately, with this point of view, we forget the reality of art and its true purpose. As said in the past paragraphs, creativity was given to us by God. Art, music, writing, etc. are all forms that can be used as an act of worship. Though unbelievers use art for other things, as believers we can use it to the advantage of sharing the Gospel to those around us.

This brings us to the first point. As sinners, we have skewed the original image God had for creativity and art. As we look in the world today, we see our culture using their creativity to push their different agendas. The growing LGBTQ+ crowd, sexuality, abortion, feminism, the list continues. There is a constant flow of these being pushed out into the society. From Broadway shows to books, Christians cannot escape the reality that this world has become blind to the Lord and His Word.

This is where grace comes in. Praise the Lord for His never ceasing grace! Grace allows us to teach art from a biblical point of view. When we use our gifts correctly, we are able to see the Lord in all we do or create. Fight the lies with the truth; through music, paintings, books, etc. This assignment seems daunting, and it is. We should feel the weight of presenting the truth in the right way. This pushes us to seek Him and His wisdom as we approach these issues.

As we teach students, we should inform them of the pressing issues in this world. As these issues grow, there is more of a need for believers to present art in a way that glorifies the Lord. Challenging our students, opening their eyes to the need, and showing them creativity, the way God intended it to be, should be our focus. Our world is craving for the Gospel, blind to their need. As fellow believers in Christ, it is our responsibility to help our students reach their generation with the Gospel. Whether it is through painting, or even speaking, all are forms of creativity. We need to encourage our students to use their talents to reach others, reminding them the truth of being made in the Image of God; loved, wanted, and called.