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<\/a>\n<\/div>As Christian creatives, it is imperative that we do not get distracted by what the world promotes\u2014fame, fortune, and materialism\u2014but that we constantly seek our purpose and identity in Christ alone. As Christian creatives\u2014whether it be writing, filmmaking, designing, architecture, or anything of the like\u2014the temptation to begin to place our identity in our work is strong. As artists, the feedback we receive, whether positive or negative, is always directed towards ourselves, especially if the artwork was not done collaboratively. We often then take the feedback personally. If we receive praise, our egos inflate and threaten to foster arrogance over humility. If the feedback is critical, we take it to mean a personal attack on ourselves and can respond either defensively or with crippling self-doubt. Either way, when we place our sole identity in our creative works, our mental and emotional stability hinges on whether or not we receive praise and compliments. When we receive more criticism, we lose sight of who we are and question our purpose; this opens the door to more self-doubt and depressive and anxious thoughts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The good news is that if you happen to struggle with placing your identity within your work, 1) you are not alone, and 2) God has an alternative. Because we are made in God\u2019s image, we already claim the most holy and fantastic opportunity to develop confidence that has absolutely nothing to do with ourselves; it is strictly outside of our control. A wise Psalmist once said that God\u2019s creation of humanity is \u201cfearfully and wonderfully made\u201d (Psalm 139:14<\/a>). Paul, in Ephesians 2:10<\/a>, says that we are God\u2019s workmanship, \u201ccreated in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.\u201d In Romans 12:2<\/a>, Paul also challenges us to \u201cnot be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind\u2026\u201d These are all God-breathed words of encouragement to remind us of where our true identity lies: protected in Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The human life is a very strenuous one, and oftentimes, it feels like the bad outweighs the good. But God is faithful to help us. He has given us one of the most beautiful gifts of storytelling and art to further exhibit his nature and love. As creatures made in God\u2019s image, we are naturally inclined to reflect God\u2019s goodness, truth, and beauty through our own works, even if we tackle rough subject matter, our works should always point glory back to God and not ourselves. When we begin approaching art making with this attitude and mindset, we are naturally then less defensive when we face criticism and are more humble when we receive praise. When we focus on glorifying God through our creative works, we never lose sight of who we truly are in Christ, and\u2014try as it might\u2014the world won\u2019t ever be able to convince us that we are anything but who God says we are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n