Profess Creatives

What’s the difference between a Christian artist and a prophetic artist? 

There are overlaps as well as distinctions. Let’s discuss. 

The definition of a Christian artist is simple: a Christian who is also an artist. Most times their Christian values would motivate them to explore Christian themes in their works.

While prophetic artists would also naturally acknowledge their Christian values in their work, a major distinction is that they also embody a prophetic lifestyle. 

The prophetic lifestyle is one empowered by the Holy Spirit to develop an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and live by His values as outlined in the bible. This is a life of consecration, surrender and obedience. This not only requires that your art demonstrates Christian themes but that everything about your lifestyle submits to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit’s leading.

What if God asks you to pause your art career temporarily to heal emotionally and spiritually? You do that. 

What if God asks you to commit to ministry or some voluntary service for a season instead? Then you do that.  

What if God asks you to do something else that sounds absolutely absurd? Then, you trust Him and do just that. 

You get the gist.  🙂

Your relationship with Christ should always be prioritized over your art. The prophetic artist doesn’t just simply look to God for creative direction but also wisdom in choosing mentors, potential collaborators, project boundaries, network etc.

If you sense and confirm that the Holy Spirit is saying NO to an opportunity, follow that guidance even if the decision seems like one that would dampen your creative career prospects. God honors your obedience. 

The prophetic artist must die to his or her own desires and accept and walk into the will of God for their lives. That’s advice most of us (including myself) do not enjoy hearing. 

If I were to define being a prophetic artist in one sentence it would be: 

A Christian who lives a prophetic lifestyle and allows the Holy Spirit to govern their creative life. 

Though it’s a simple concept it requires much practice. One of the hardest parts of my spiritual and creative journey is being patient for the accomplishment of my long term goals.

More than overnight success, I crave a sustainable creative career during my lifetime and profound impact that will live generations after I die. That requires massive character development, delayed gratification and making hard decisions that will reap larger returns decades from now. The hard decisions will kill my flesh now but nurture deeper roots for my spiritual growth and creativity. 

Comment below one of the hardest decisions you’ve had to make as an artist and stay tuned for my next post 10 Signs You’re a Prophetic Artist.