When I think about how arts and missions come together, I am always blown away by how God can manifest Himself through artistic expression. It’s amazing to see how He works through creativity to make Himself known!

Psalm 19:1-2 states that the heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Each day and night they pour forth speech and knowledge.

The idea that artistic expression can be a powerful tool for spreading the message of Christ and fulfilling the Great Commission is rooted in biblical principles. Let’s explore how God can utilize art to further His kingdom by examining the biblical basis of this truth and the rationales for using art in missions.

God the Creator

In Genesis 1, we read the account of God creating the heavens and the earth. The Bible describes the magnificence of His creations and how they serve as a testament to the glory and craftsmanship of God. The biblical basis for using art in missions begins with God Himself as the Great Creator. Paul reinforces this truth in Romans 1:20, declaring that God’s invisible qualities are perceived in what He has made. This divine creativity is at the heart of artistic expression, as artists like me seek to capture the beauty of His creations in my work.

Created to Create

To understand why art and missions are intertwined, we need to recognize that humans are created in the image of God, as mentioned in Genesis 1:27, highlighting our inherent participation in God’s creative nature. We have the power to unleash our creativity, pioneer new ideas, and let our unique voices speak through countless art forms. As an image-bearer of God, my creative abilities reflect God’s divine attributes. I can use my creation as a unique canvas to reveal His truth and proclaim His name to those who have yet to discover the joy of knowing Him.

Art as a Reflection of God’s Beauty

In addition, the Bible often speaks of beauty as a manifestation of God’s character. In Psalm 27:4, David expresses his desire to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life, where he can gaze upon the beauty of the Lord. In missions, art can be an extraordinary instrument to demonstrate the splendor of His beauty. Whether my artworks convey His love, grace, or comfort, God can use them to draw people closer to Himself. Through the arts, He can heal the wounded and the lost, guiding them toward His amazing love and perfect peace.

Art as a Universal Language

The Tower of Babel narrative in the Bible emphasizes the diversity of languages and cultures as part of God’s purpose. However, art can uniquely bridge these divisions and communicate on a deeply emotional and spiritual level across cultures. It can express emotions and convey messages that people from various backgrounds can understand. For instance, art helps me connect with villagers who may not readily understand spoken or written words. It especially benefits oral learners who learn best through stories, images, and music rather than text and abstract concepts. 

Storytelling Through the Arts

On the other hand, the Bible itself is a collection of narratives, poetry, parables, and songs. For instance, Jesus used artistic narrative (i.e., parables) to illustrate God’s grace and love for the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. Through vivid characters, settings, and plots, Jesus communicated profound truths to his audiences and engaged the hearts and minds of readers. The way He tells stories shows how using creative narratives can break barriers and touch hearts, motivating me to strive for the same impact in missions.

Worship Through the Arts

Last but not least, artistic expressions play a vital role in worship in the Bible. Exodus 31:1-11 highlights God valuing artistic talents in constructing the Tabernacle. He filled the artisan Bezalel with the Spirit to construct the sacred Ark of the Covenant and build the Tabernacle so that the Lord could dwell amongst His people. Also, the Psalms express a wide range of emotions and spiritual experiences through poetic language and imagery. Using art and creativity today, we are instruments for advancing His kingdom. In Romans 12:1-2, Paul emphasized offering our bodies as living sacrifices. This encompasses dedicating our artistic talents to glorify Him. Our gifts and skills can be offered as an act of worship in missions, serving His greater purpose.

Fulfilling His Mission Through the Arts

Though the heavens and skies have no speech and use no words, Psalm 19:3-4 emphasizes that their voice echoes across the earth, reaching the ends of the world. Art – be it visual, music, dance, or storytelling – holds the same potential to spread Christ’s message and touch hearts profoundly. It serves as a peaceful medium, bringing healing to the lost and solace to weary souls. The link between arts and missions springs from biblical principles, reflecting God’s creative nature within us. Our artistic gifts are not just for personal gratification but should be used as instruments to fulfill His mission. There are numerous ways to use our gifts and talents in missions. Let’s bring the Lord’s beauty to the ends of the earth!