God is the author of all truth, beauty, and love. We know that; the church has affirmed it for centuries. But in most eras, we’ve tended to focus on two of those facets of his nature and not on the third. We are big on truth; we have arguments about it, try to persuade others with it, and develop apologetics ministries promoting it. We’re also big on love—ministries of mercy and compassion, as well as the ubiquitous reminders of the two greatest commandments. But where are the ministries of beauty?
In previous eras, art and beauty played a significant role in the church. In the last century or two, they haven’t been nearly as prominent. That’s changing somewhat, and we can be grateful. But for years, many well-meaning believers have assumed that art and beauty are peripheral to the gospel rather than part of it. As a whole, we had forgotten that God has clearly demonstrated his artistry and creativity; that we are made in his image; and that in demonstrating God-given creativity, we honor who he is.
We also seem to have forgotten that beauty can be powerfully persuasive. In an age when hearts are hardened to claims of truth and jaded to expressions of love, beauty may be one of the most effective ways to reflect the nature of God in this world. It can draw people toward the glory of God before they even realize it’s him. Seek beauty wherever you can, preserve it whenever you can, and create it however you can. Because you were made in the image of a Creator, your creativity is a compelling statement of who he is.
