A church cannot use what it has no use for. It is the *author's opinion that there needs to be a serious re-ordering of our thinking about the arts. Once we can again find a prominent place in our hearts for the development of art, music, poetry, etc. which glorifies God, then we will be in a better position to suggest what such development might look like, and where the specially talented members might fit in. Churches need to do serious work on developing community within each local body. If the people of God never get together on any other day than Sunday, there will be no room for the artists, poets, and musicians in her midst to use their gifts to bless God’s people. There are, however, creative ways that the musically minded of a church can exercise their gifts. One can visit a church member in the hospital, or shut-ins, etc. with an instrument and a song of praise, for example. Not all rewards wind up in one’s wallet! One could do house concerts. One could write a song especially for a sad friend. The Church would be wise to facilitate such things. Perhaps the elders could be in contact with the musicians to let them know when Mr. Jones was admitted to the hospital, and could you please go and sing?

To the Aspiring Artist:

The star-making machinery which bombards us on every side would have us believe that the successful musician is the one who plays 200 concerts a year and tours the globe, playing for sold-out venues wherever he goes. Don’t believe it. The successful musician is the one who does what he does to the glory of God, and does the best possible job he can do. We mustn’t set our eyes on the ends of the earth, because God wants us to use what He has given us to serve His people and His cause here and now.

Set the Church as primary in your efforts. Seek her good above all, because God loves His Church and has tied the future of the world to her performance. When she shines, the world is blessed; when she languishes, the world rots. Work to make her shine. Love her. Honor her. Submit to her. Try to resist the temptation to bypass her for the sake of your own gain. Use your gifts and abilities to further her work, and to bless her people.

*The two articles above are excerpts from the Music of Jamie Soles.