Art as a Good Work

Art as a Good Work As Christian women, we live in the grace of our baptism, knowing that God has forgiven our sins and that we are made righteous before God and have been given the gift of eternal life. We know that all this we have received as a pure gift by Christ’s redeeming work on the cross and not by anything we have done or deserve. As Lutherans, we call this ‘justification’ (AC IV). This is foundational to how we live out our lives as God’s people, because our justification centres our spirit so we can embody the new obedience in our lives, producing the good fruit and good works of faith (AC VI).  Dr Martin Luther says, “Faith is a divine work in us which changes us and makes us to be born anew of God… bringing with it the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit is our helper in all we do, and Christian artists and craftswomen know this well! For centuries, women within their communities all over the world have been cultivating unique and interesting crafts and artistic talents. With the help of the Holy Spirit, these gifts can be used for God’s glory and the good of the Christian community. Christian art can be used to teach the faith and the story of God’s redeeming love for his people and the whole of his creation. It can also help the Christian community to grow in awe and wonder of the beauty of God’s creation (read Psalm 8). Some women paint and draw, others stitch, weave, knit, bead, or make clothes, while others bake, organise and build things with their hands. Other women can enjoy and appreciate these gifts by encouraging the cultivation of these gifts in the young. Because we are justified before God in Christ, we don’t practice our craft to earn favour with God, and so Christian artists and craftspeople are free to play and be creative. Instead, we can employ our artistic skills and talents to be a gift to others, to our families, the church and our neighbours in the world so they can know the hope that is in us. How might you use your artistic abilities to bring beauty to the worship life of your home, church community and local community? by Kimberley Pfeiffer Christmas card by artist Kelly Klage, can be purchased at Ad Crucem  Meet our current HSS artists and stay tuned for our next shop release! Check out our interview with Georgie Grieger on Art and Beauty in the Church About the Author Kimberley Pfeiffer Kimberley Pfeiffer is Lutheran writer who has not stopped reading, asking questions and thinking about what it means to live like a Lutheran ever since she joined the Lutheran church over twenty years ago. Read more…