Why Art Matters for the ChristianSample

When we approach art, we need to fight against the idea of utility. In our consumer-driven world, we value things based on how useful it is. We tend to ascribe worth to what things do more than for what they are.

When we simplify the world like this, we lose an appreciation for beauty. The flower isn’t valued simply for its place in the ecosystem. Their value extends far beyond mere utility. They enrich our lives through beauty and fragrance. Our world would be functional, but much less livable without them.

You see this principle reflected in the way God inspired the authors of Scripture to write. The Bible isn’t written like a textbook, trying to communicate the maximum amount of information as clearly and concisely as possible. It’s written through stories, proverbs, parables, history, and poetry. It does far more than simply listing “Do’s” and “Don’ts”.

The Scriptures themselves are works of art. When God inspired Moses to write the creation narrative, He could have simply stated, “God made everything. Human beings were made as the pinnacle of creation to rule the earth. And then God rested.” Instead, notice the patterns God wove into the story. The first, second, and third days create space in the universe with light and darkness, the skies and oceans, and the land. Then, on the fourth, fifth, and sixth days, God fills those spaces with the sun, moon, stars, birds, and fish, plants, and human beings. There is a design within the writing to delight us and draw our attention even closer to the words.

In the teachings of Jesus, we see how He would shape his lesson using forms to surprise, delight, and challenge his listeners. Jesus told three parables in Luke 15 about losing something valuable. In the first parable, the shepherd rejoices in finding his lost sheep. In the second parable, the woman rejoices having found her lost coin. And when you read the third parable, you discover with delight that the Father rejoices when his lost son returns, but the story ends with the older brother upset that the lost had been found. Jesus beautifully crafts the narrative to arrive at the sharp rebuke of the Pharisees listening who turn with contempt at the sinners finding their Savior. There is an art within the narrative that disarms our preconceived ideas about what is right and wrong and works its way deeper into our hearts because of the way it was delivered.

Art is not a lecture, but a dialogue. You need to bring yourself into the conversation to participate. More on that in tomorrow’s devotional.