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If I understand your question correctly, I’d say that motivation for a Christian artist stems from two intertwined realities—that we’re made to worship and creating art is an act of worship. We work because we love the work, but we also work because we love the God who created us to do the work. 

Learning to be motivated by that “still, small voice,” instead of the loud, cacophonous voice of public acceptance, is a lifelong endeavor toward creating for your own sake. Then, like you said, God will use it as he sees fit.

I’m glad to read some reflections from a fellow Art House
Local-attendee! The Dallas discussion focused, among other things, on the
spiritual aspect of discipline. As Wallace said, “The actions of discipline are
simple, but the barriers to discipline are spiritual.” Her solution, simply
put, is to draw closer to God.

We also broached the subject of artistic motivation as it
relates to discipline. Since Thursday night I’ve gone back and forth on the
issue. I keep wanting there to be some grand reason why we, as creatives and
followers of Christ, are obligated to harness our gifts and abilities to
further the Kingdom. That would make it so much easier to instill discipline
(or get our bottoms in the seat). But the reality is we need God, He does not
need us. His plans will come to fruition whether or not we use what He’s given
us. It is not a hole in His great plan that we leave behind when we fail to
realize our potential; rather it is a hole in ourselves. His plan is fulfilled,
only we are not.

So artist Christians do have an opportunity to be a part of
something larger than themselves (Wallace names it an “honor”), but
it is simply that, an opportunity. Should we choose to pass, then that chance goes
to the next person in line. We miss out on “the dazzling beauty and variety of
things God wants to speak into this world.” Those faithful with a few things
will be put in charge of many.

What do you think about motivation and the artist Christian?

So glad you took the time to share, and glad you could make it!

Joshua