The Word in Art
By Rev. Maggie Tang
June 15, 2025
The Triune God is the Creator of heaven and earth. The countless stars in the sky, the flowers, birds, insects, and fish are all created by God. Man’s ability to create art also originates from God the Creator. That is why everyone can use colors, paints and images to express their interpretations of the world, unleashing their gift of creation. When Jesus became incarnate and entered the world, He came in a real, visible, and tangible form. He is Immanuel, God with us, who allows us to perceive God and His love through Him. Artistic creations similarly enable human beings to preserve spiritual inspiration through visual and imaginative means. Therefore, man can also use art to deepen their faith or enhance their devotions and prayers.
In addition to worshiping God through reading or listening to His word, many artists choose to use paintbrushes with darker or lighter brushstrokes and colorful paints to express their yearnings for God. Whether truths are expressed through words or together with artistic elements, the unchanging fact is that both text and art are under God and originate from Him.
How can we practice devotion through artistic creation and allow our artworks to carry spiritual vitality? A Taiwanese Christian artist shared that, first and foremost, one must have an open heart. Before creating, one must let God’s word dwell in one’s heart, whether through Scripture, spiritual literature, hymns and songs, or prayer. Guided by the Holy Spirit, artists can express inspirations from God through various creative forms, such as drawing, collage, sculpture, or carving. Furthermore, devotion through art does not necessarily require paintbrushes or paper. Everyday objects can also become wonderful canvases. Once, this artist was invited by a church to design the uniform for a worship team. It was his hope that the uniform would not merely present a theme. He therefore sought inspiration through artistic devotion. Finally, calligraphy and artwork was used in the design of the uniform which was distinctive and which carried spiritual meaning.
God is the greatest artist, and the entire Bible showcases His creativity! The scenes of the miracles of the dark tomb of Lazarus, water turned into wine, the five loaves and two fish, etc. are filled with light, colors and compositions. Art serves as a guide, helping us focus our thoughts on God. As we seek the truth through art, we will discover that the truth is intimately woven into our daily lives. God is not as distant as we might have imagined. Simply look up at the sky and we will experience from the ever-changing hues of the sky and the clouds that God is indeed the Lord of heaven and earth. Art is a conversation between our hearts and God, and it is also our most sincere worship of Him.