By the Book

Do you remember that old hymn? Too many times I'm afraid what we give to God is not our best but what is left over from our busy schedules. We are good about giving lip service to the idea that God deserves the best we have to offer but in reality life seems to push in and without even realizing it, God ends up last on the list. There are many times in scripture that God demands our first fruits. He requires the best of the herd, the best of the crop. He expects us to play skillfully. How does this apply to us today?

Think through this with me for a minute. When you sit down to figure out where you will spend your time or where you will use your talents, who gets first pick of your time and energy? Your boss... Your family... Your spouse... Your friends? How far down the list do you get before God comes into play? It is so easy to let everything else press in and when I see how much time I have left, that is the time I will give to God. But remember - God demands our first fruits. God demands our best.

Let me add a sidebar here (and you will have to come back in two weeks to get more on this subject) I am not saying that the church demands your first fruits - I am saying GOD does. As Christian artists it is time we allowed our faith to permeate our art, whether we are using it in a church setting or a concert setting or any other venue. The art world used to look to the church for innovation and excellence but in today's world, the church has become the ugly stepsister in the art world. It's time we make a change and become Cinderella, but I digress...