Friends, please welcome my friend, Dave Weiss, to the Christian Writer’s Den today. Dave is not only an artist, writer, speaker, and pastor, he’s also founder of AMOKArts.com where he helps Christian Creatives use their gifts for God’s glory. So when he shared his thoughts on this book, I knew I just had to share it–and Dave–with you.
Are You Adding to the Noise? by Dave Weiss
I’m reading an excellent book right now called The Divine Commodity: Discovering a Faith Beyond Consumer Christianity by Skye Jethani. I was mainly drawn to the book because in it he relates the story behind Van Gogh’s masterpiece Starry Night to the current attitude of consumer Christianity. But it’s not just Van Gogh, he interweaves many other wonderful illustrations into the mix including many from the arts and humanities.
In the chapter I read today, Jethani relates the story of going to an orchestra concert at the Hollywood Bowl. The tuning was a cacophony of noise but under the baton of conductor it came into harmony. It’s the perfect lead in to what he says next:
“Like an orchestra tuning their instruments, consumer Christianity is producing chaotic and unpleasant noise about God.”
It’s absolutely true. When faith becomes about us and about we want, the signals start to clash, as we speak about a god we are trying to mold into our image. That’s not God. God is king, ruler, sovereign. He is conducting this orchestra and it’s time for us to follow His baton.
Jethani then adds a quote from Leopold Stokowski, the founding conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra that really sums it up.
“A painter paints his picture on canvas but musicians paint their pictures on silence.”
Jethani continues: “Maybe God is waiting for us to be silent long enough so He can begin painting a new picture in our imaginations, to begin transforming our image of a manageable deity into one that can truly inspire .”
I believe this is a great truth. We’re created in God’s image and not the other way around. His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways. His are much higher and much better. We need to listen to Him and follow His lead. If you think you might be adding to the noise maybe it’s time to step back, quiet your heart and mind, delve into the Word and let the Master artist start creating in you.
I’m only about a fifth of the way into The Divine Commodity: Discovering a Faith Beyond Consumer Christianity but I can already see it is a great one filled with insights perfect for creatives trying to be faithful to their call. Take some time and check it out.
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Who Won Janet McHenry’s Book?
This month’s winner is Cathy Baker! Yay, Cathy! Congratulations! All you need to do is Contact Me with your snail mail address and the book will be on its way!
And readers, I know a lot of you want to read Janet’s books, PrayerWalk, PrayerStreaming, and Daily PrayerWalk, so I’ve made it easy for you! Just click on the titles or the pictures and it’ll take you straight to the Amazon ordering page. 
Happy reading and walking!
Vonda
