Managing your emotions (chapter 7)

In the Christian church/Church of Christ movement showing emotion in worship is often times viewed as someone showing off and trying to draw attention to themselves. However that is not the Biblical picture of worship. Worship is something that is done with everything you have. As artists we should be pouring our emotion into our work, otherwise it will be shallow and lifeless. Emotions do not need to be suppressed, but by the same token we cannot allow them to cause us to sin. It is a sign of character to do the right thing even when you don't feel like it.

Don't take yourself too seriously. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't work on your skills and try to be the best artist you can be. It means do not lose your sense of humor and the ability to laugh with other people and even at yourself. An artist without a sense of humor can be one of the most miserable people in the world. When you face disappointment (and you will) do not let bitterness set in to the point where you can't function. Disappointment is part of being an artist, it is something that will cause you to grow, you may even create one of your best works after going through disappointing times. Don't be impatient, be willing to wait on God's timing. Learning to delay gratification is a sign of maturity. Often we don't get what we want exactly when we want it.

Use your emotions to create your art. But be careful that you are not ruled by your emotions, or you will become unbearable to those around you.

Enjoy the Journey

Jealousy and Envy (chapter 6)

Jealousy and Envy are things that we all struggle with as artists. There will always be someone who is better than you. There will always be reason to aspire to be better. The problem is when our admiration turns to resentment. It is a very subtle change, as respect turns into dislike. Once you wished you could be like that person, now you wish they would just go away and stop making you look 'bad.' When that happens, you have to confess it as sin, because that is what it is. You also have to learn to appreciate your God-given talent. God made you exactly the way you are on purpose, and He gave you the gifts that you have, you need to appreciate them and use them for His glory. You must give credit where it is due. When someone performs well, you can't say they only got the gig because they have connections, acknowledge the hard work they put in and the excellence of their performance.

The root of the problem is that we are constantly comparing ourselves with each other. Like I said before, God doesn't ask us to be someone else, if He wanted us to be like them, He would have made us that way. He made each person the way they are with the gifts they have on purpose, so stop comparing yourself to other people! One way to get rid of jealousy and envy...pray for that person. You will find that it is impossible for you to remain jealous of another artist if you are constantly praying for that person. Remember this: when someone else is paid a compliment, it doesn't take anything away from you!

If someone is jealous of you, be careful not to flaunt your abilities. Frankly, it is not flattering, and people who really have it don't need to flaunt it. So stop showing off. Jealousy and envy are very strong emotions that can break a team apart very quickly if not handled properly.

Enjoy the Journey