Are You an Unashamed Artist?

We see "unashamed" artists everywhere, especially all over MTV - such as Madonna, Lil' Wayne, etc. etc. - you get the picture.  Often those who should be ashamed (from a Biblical or moral standard) are the most unashamed. (Obviously, these artists are not ashamed, and, of course, they are not claiming to represent Christ or desiring to display His glory in their lives and clearly they are not.)

And, yes, we have some wonderful unashamed artists who have come to the forefront, especially in the last few decades, in the Contemporary Christian music field. God is using these vocal artists, musicians and songwriters in mighty ways as a spiritual influence in our culture, as well as through the worship services in our churches.

But what about more unashamed dancers, visual artists, actors, etc. who are willing to be salt and light through their art form and unashamedly give glory to the One who gave them their gift (or gifts) to begin with?

I believe it is time for all those who are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ to let the power of Christ be revealed in and through not only our lifestyles, but our artistic giftings and creative expression as well, and that includes all art forms. (Colossians 1:16 "...all things have been created by Him and for Him.") We were created by God in His image to display His glory in the earth!

Are you an unashamed artist?

Romans 1:16 (NASB)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Romans 1:16 - The Message Bible
It's news I'm most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God's powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else!

Matthew 5:14-16 - The Message Bible
Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.