The Art of Christian Living
A Theological Reflection
My message today is not a sermon as such in which I exposit a single passage of God’s holy Word. Rather, it is a theological reflection of experiencing His word in the course of living. I trust and pray there will be something of value for you to the degree that I am faithful to the Lord’s Word.
May this exploration inspire us to view our spiritual formation as a masterpiece in progress, continually shaped by the Master’s hand, reflecting His light and beauty to the world.
There is an art to Christian living, much like Rembrandt’s “The Prodigal Son” or even in Turner’s “Angel Standing in the Sun” that reflects the beauty of the Word of God and the world around us. I was thinking about that recently, as I was painting. I want to share my thoughts with you to encourage you. As believers, we follow God’s word to create the art of Christian living, just as an artist approaches a painting using first principles. And so I reflected on the Christian life as I went about the work of painting. I want to humbly share these insights and reflections with you now. So I post this question to myself: As I paint, draw, and compose an expression of faith through art, what lessons do I learn for following Christ?
Begin with the Right Materials: Word, Sacrament, and Prayer
Just as a painter selects quality brushes and paints, so must the believer choose their foundational tools: the Word, Sacrament, and Prayer. In these, we find that we are saved by grace through faith, a grace that naturally flows into our lives as surely as warmth from a campfire. Through God’s Word, the sacramental life of the church, and earnest prayer, we come to know God and experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Examine the Object of our attention: Our Lord Jesus Christ
To master the art, we must study the ultimate Model, Jesus Christ. Seeking Him, studying His life and teachings, and placing Him above all else is foundational. Christ’s example guides us in love, sacrifice, and humility.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
Focus on the Light Source
In painting, the light source reveals depth and perspective. Similarly, the light of God’s Word exposes sin and illuminates the path to righteousness. Jesus, the Light of the World, transforms our lives and calls us to shine brightly in a world of darkness.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Paint the Larger Areas First
Prioritizing the broader aspects of our faith—Bible study, worship, fellowship, witnessing, and prayer—sets the stage for a vibrant Christian life. Focusing on these essentials allows us to grow in faith and avoid the distractions of minor controversies.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
Address the Finishing Details
As the painting progresses, attention to detail enriches the work. In our spiritual journey, God invites us to delve deeper into the mysteries of faith, moving beyond the elementary to explore the profound depths of His Word and will.
“Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity” (Hebrews 6:1).
Christianity beckons us to a life of wonder and worship, a continuous discovery of God’s infinite wisdom and joy. Yet, like an artist who can only hint at the fullness of reality, we too are limited in our capacity to comprehend the entirety of God’s glory.
For many of us, it is difficult to imagine life without art. Art can be seen as a process of pausing and taking the time to discover the rhythms and relationships of things we observe in life. Similarly, we can grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ by taking the time to listen to His Word and follow Him through the everyday mysteries and miracles of life. We are shaped into the likeness of our Lord Jesus through faith and obedience during these times.
As we reflect on the Christian life through the lens of art, we realize that every aspect of our existence points to the Triune God’s presence among us. This realization invites us to see God’s handiwork in every moment of our lives, prompting us to ask, “Where did you experience God today?” God is active in our lives and the world, orchestrating His kingdom from the inside out until the earth is filled with the knowledge and glory of God. Thus, in the end, we come to see there is only one true Artist. And to see our lives and to observe His world through His creative wonders is to “glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.”
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.