book, Images and Idols
When we read the Bible from the beginning, what is the first thing we learn about God? “In the beginning, God created . . . .” He is a Creator. He makes things. He made them for form and function, for beauty and glory.
His greatest creation of all came on the sixth day when he made the first couple. And he is still creating, shaping, building, forming.
Jesus said, “I will build my church.” He continues to mold and shape us. He has a goal — to pull us from the wreckage of our sin-burned homes into a fuller humanity at peace with God, others, and ourselves. In other words, he conforms us into people like himself.
He will use our calligraphy skills as part of the building process. Are we typically impatient and fidgety? Through our hours-long workshops and practice times at home, our sit-down times calm us and teach us to slow down. To create a piece of art well, to sustain a relationship — both take time and attention.
Are we always choosing short-range things to do for instant gratification? Our projects can sometimes force us to delay gratification, to anticipate something wonderful for ourselves and others when it is completed. Every extra minute, hour, or day on not-for-pay projects is an opportunity to better a work, to better a friendship.
Do we find it difficult to focus and plan? Calligraphy is all about focus, about working out the details and the order of their execution. The nib choice and angle, the letter- and word-spacing, getting the paint consistency right, the constant dipping, the sketching and guidelines, the false starts and do-overs. We learn to pay attention to the things that matter, that contribute to a better work, not only on paper or canvas, but in the carefully considered choice of words or acts of thoughtfulness to our fellow man.
Can our calligraphy change the world? Well, God can use it to change us.
Are we feeling unsatisfied in our pursuit of happiness? Chances are, we are pursuing inanimate things or goals that have no power in themselves to impart anything, and we are giving them more power over us than warranted. I am happy with the anticipation of seeing the completed work when the process is done. I am happy when I see the final work. I am happier still when others find it lovely or meaningful. But I’m satisfied knowing that when I’m growing in my craft, I’m making a lasting investment in myself, in my character, and ultimately in the world.
When we develop our craft, our craft develops us.
This might sound like heresy, but our calligraphy is not the most important part of us. It is a means to further the creation of form and function, of glory and beauty in the world. God is the master builder — and we are his workmanship. We are his greatest work. And when our skills are surrendered to him, then his building process continues through us — and in us.
(This article is my response to this very moving and memorable little book, Images and Idols, by Thomas J. Terry and J. Ryan Lister. Learn more at https://imagesandidols.com/)
See my own Christian books here: https://www.stevehusting.com/doubtbusters/steves-books/
