506. Being a Christian in a Non-Christian World | Connecting Clip of the Week
Dec 29, 2023
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Artist Makoto Fujimura discusses his work as an artist and how he lives for Christ in a non-Christian world. Topics covered include the challenges faced by Fujimura as an artist, faith, art, glorifying God, trusting in God's guidance, and seeking God's kingdom.
Artist Makoto Fujimura chooses to create his own market and let God guide his career as he prioritizes the glory of God over conforming to the rules of the contemporary art world.
Fujimura encourages artists to trust in God's guidance and not be paralyzed by material worries, highlighting the command to consider the lilies and birds as a reminder of God's provision and the abundance in the world.
Deep dives
Living as an Artist in a Non-Christian World
Artist Makoto Fujimura discusses the challenges of being an artist living in a non-Christian community. Despite being at a high level in the New York City art community, he recognizes that his language of art is different, focusing on grace, hope, and life. Rather than conforming to the rules of the contemporary art world, he chooses to create his own market, letting God guide his career and prioritizing the glory of God. Fujimura emphasizes the importance of being faithful and available to serve others, including artists, gallery owners, curators, and even critics.
Trusting God's Provision in the Artistic Journey
Fujimura shares his journey as an artist and how he has relied on God's provision throughout. Moving to New York City in the 90s, he felt exiled from both the church and the art world. However, he remained faithful to his call, allowing God to take care of him and his family. By creating art as a portal into new creation, Fujimura desires to glorify God and invite people of all religious backgrounds to experience the grace and hope found in Jesus. He encourages artists to trust in God's guidance and not be paralyzed by material worries.
Consider the Lilies: Seeking God's Kingdom First
Drawing from Matthew 6, Fujimura highlights the command to consider the lilies and birds as a reminder of God's provision. He underscores the need to use our senses and open our eyes to perceive the abundance in the world, even amidst scarcity. By faithfully considering the beauty of God's creation, artists can point the way to new creation and proclaim God's presence. Fujimura testifies to how God has consistently provided for him as an artist, demonstrating that God is the artist and ultimately in control of every aspect of life.
In this week’s Connecting Clip Of The Week, Paul and artist Makoto Fujimura discuss his work as an artist and how he lives for Christ in a non-Christian world.
To hear more of his story, check out The Connecting Podcast Ep. 026 wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also watch the video on Paul Tripp’s YouTube channel or Facebook page.
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