My favorite musicians (Adam Young, a.k.a. Owl City, Aaron Ivey, Family Force 5, to name a few) care about their craft. They experiment; they challenge themselves with new forms and styles. Because of that, I pay attention whenever they produce a new album.
I might not like the work, but I still respect them as artists, perhaps because the estimation extends beyond artistry. I admire them for their bravery. As their dedication to craft has grown, so has their faith—and their willingness to share it. It informs more and more of their art. They have become bold about telling their story and, more importantly, the larger gospel story.
It makes sense that I’d follow artists like them. I aim toward good artistry, too, and prize dedication to craft and excellence. More than that, I desire to steward the gifts God has given me and use them to glorify him. I wish to be courageous and tell the truth about who God is and what he has done.
I’m not there yet, and I may never be. That’s okay. I never want to arrive with this particular journey, at least not in my lifetime. I always want to be stretching and growing in my faith and craft.
These artists provide examples to follow. Their body of work, not a single album, shows their trajectory. That gives me hope. It tells me to try hard with the little things because the little things add up to big things.
Following God and being dedicated to craft are a part of everyday living. They integrate into it, into every moment: the insignificant, the hard, and the glorious. They prove and sharpen my faith and dedication. And, as those two things become strong, I discover myself brave, bold, courageous.
Image: Alf Melin (Creative Commons)