"Heart of the Artist", part III: Chapter Two

Humility is a concept that I have always found fascinating. Like many, I have often admired it from afar. Very rarely have I had what I would call a true taste of it. But sometimes I catch fleeting glimpses.

Pride – or a desire to be exalted by others – isn’t always the primary enemy of humility for me. In my life, humility has more often been warded off by a simple preoccupation with self. Self-concern. Self-centeredness. Sure, I get overly concerned with others’ opinions of me. But more often I’m just overly concerned that I get what I want.

So what is humility? In Noland’s quote of C.S. Lewis on page 59, humility is equated with “self-forgetfulness”. Where does self-awareness fit in relation to humility? Is humility a lack of self-awareness? Or is it simply a proper view of self?

Is it that I find the truest and best Jeff when I take my eyes off Jeff and focus instead on Christ? If this is the case, then taking eyes off self (or fighting self-absorption) doesn’t equal “self-forgetfulness”, but rather a true and appropriate self-awareness. Truly this is a topic of great subtlety and nuance, but I find it reassuring that Moses’ prayer in Psalm 90:17 (and on pg. 70) – “Lord, give permanence to the works of my hands” – is counted an appropriate and faithful expression of self which is self-aware, yet fully humble.

Changing gears:
I thought Noland’s discussion on volunteering versus being called of God (pp. 70-74) was very insightful and keen. In my experience, some people just get this and some just don’t. I don’t know how to effectively turn a volunteer into someone called by God. Just a guess, though: Maybe it’s because I’m not God! So any level of exhortation or challenges to “step up” that I may issue only make somebody called by Jeff. The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few.

Lord, call your servants to the work of the harvest!

"Heart of the Artist", part II: Chapter One

Just a couple thoughts on Chapter One of Noland's Heart of the Artist...

On page 39, he says,

Any growth that we experience in character will be an asset in everything we do.

Do you believe that? Do you believe, for instance, that growth in honesty will not only help you relationally, but creatively? Do you think that growth in discipline will help you not only vocationally, but artistically? Can an increase in kindness make you a better
designer? Can growth in tact make you a better videographer? Can more courage make you a beter writer?

I actually believe the answer to all these questions is "yes". The reason it is called integrity is that it has to do with everything in your life being integrated. What lack of integrity (or integration) in your character is holding you back?

One more question. The first "Personal Action Step" on page 49 asks you to choose a personal ministry verse. Do you have one?

I don't know that I have one specific verse. But I am reminded often of Philippians 2:3-4.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

I look forward to the day that I can truly exemplify these words.