Iron Sharpens Iron
You, Christian Creative, can’t make it on your own.
But what about my independent spirit and can-do attitude?? Can’t I make it on that?
While we do love the gumption and can-do attitude…the answer is still no.
One of the strongest, coolest, and most amazing tools in the arsenal of the Christian creative is the people they surround themselves with. Fellow creatives, brothers and sisters in Christ, wise older men and women, experts in their field of creativity, and — crucially — honest, merciful people to get advice, opinions, and encouragement from.
In the modern day and age, there is this often idea in the creative space of “makin’ it on my own” and “breaking into the industry alone” and “look at me and all that I accomplished without any support” and so on and so forth. It’s sometimes a badge of honor to succeed with little to no help from others (except maybe a few friends and relatives). Sometimes in the extreme, the entire creative community is viewed as a bunch of rivals and competitors.
Christian, the truth is that humanity was not built for that. God did not create humans to thrive in isolation. They can survive in isolation, kind of. They might even be able to get kind of far without other human beings, but they won’t be able to thrive like they are supposed to. They won’t be able to build off of other creatives, hone their skills as they receive (and give!) feedback. Most crucially, they won’t be able to function in God’s Kingdom the way He intends. God’s Kingdom is not a one-man show; it is the collective, living body of believers all seeking after Christ and the good of their brothers and sisters around them.
To become not just a better creative, but also a better Christian, it is important that you surround yourself with solidly faithful brothers and sisters. Find or build a community of believers with similar interests and differing talents and skill levels. Seek both a mentor and a mentee, someone to guide you and someone for you to help guide. Actively spend time with people who will encourage you honestly, seeking your best interests both creatively and spiritually!
Putting it into Action
If you feel isolated not because you want to, but because you haven’t been able to find a community, pray that God will provide you with one somehow and in some way. The prayer might not be answered immediately, but give God time to work. He will not leave you to feel isolated.
If you are intentionally avoiding your fellow creatives, seeing them as rivals and competitors, or by judging them on external characteristics or snobbish ideas on how they should create, pray that God softens your heart. Pray that He changes your mindset on the Christian community. Repent of this avoidance, jealousy, and judgement, then actively seek out people who will build you up. I think you’ll find it is well worth it!
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, by the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgement.”
