By Briana Bass, Christian Romance Author, Devotional Writer & Certified Professional Coach

I am not an artist. That is not a talent I possess. I took an art class in college and struggled through it. The theory made sense, but when I put pencil to paper, the image looked nothing like what I imagined. To be honest, I hated art. Oh, I could appreciate Van Gogh and Degas as much as the next person, and I genuinely enjoy moseying around art museums, but I’d rather eat pineapple on pizza than try to create art myself.

Then 2020 hit and we went into lockdown. Suddenly I was stuck at home, with more time available than I’d had in years. Everyone else was taking up hobbies, why not me? So I started watching art tutorials and ordered a bunch of supplies. Over time, my skills greatly improved (I’m still not good by any means, but I’m better than I was). Art became a necessary creative outlet, and I continue to turn to art therapy when I need a mental break.

My preferred artistic medium is, obviously, writing. You may prefer painting or pottery or photography or handicrafts. There’s a medium for anyone who wants to be creative. God gave each of us unique skills and talents. Not everyone can draw. Not everyone can cook. Not everyone can crochet. But everyone has something they are particularly good at that can be used to improve their mental health, serve the Lord, and/or serve their friends and family. What gifts do you possess?

His Glory, My Story

And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;

And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work.

Exodus 35:31-33 KJV

God-given talents aren’t limited to the Old Testament. Tabitha created garments for women in her community. Martha served multiple dinners. Monks illustrated manuscripts in the Middle Ages. Michaelangelo painted chapel ceilings and sculpted David. Lauren Daigle sings her praise. While they all possess different gifts they use their skills for the same purpose-God’s glory.

I know that sounds heavy. There’s this idea that God’s glory means you don’t get anything out of it, you’re not meant to enjoy it, and you can’t do what you want to do. Friend, that’s not what it means. To do something for God’s glory is to do something that shares His love. Sometimes you’re the one who needs His love. Taking a moment for yourself, just a moment of peace and quiet, can be a way for you to experience God’s love. To see God’s love in action, the way it positively affects other people, can be rewarding for the giver, too. Spreading God’s love should be something all Christians thirst to do. Framed in this way, using our gifts for God’s glory becomes pleasurable and exciting.

My talent is storytelling. Everything I write, from my romance stories to this blog, is ultimately for God’s glory, and I love doing it. Yes, it’s my career, so technically I’m using my skills in a professional capacity, but that wasn’t always the case. For years the only writing I did was emails at my previous job. Yet even then I was helping people on a daily basis. God was using my talents for His glory when I didn’t even know it!

Don’t Do the Hustle

Contrary to what culture says, you don’t have to monetize your art. It doesn’t have to become a side hustle. It can simply be a hobby or creative outlet. You can certainly share your work or your works-in-progress on social media, but don’t feel pressured to make it into a business if you don’t want to. God gave you a specific skill set to use for His glory. That doesn’t mean your skills must only be used in professional capacities. Some talents may be applicable at your job, but others were given to you to support your mental health, your family, and/or your community.

What’s important is that you don’t waste the creative gifts God gave you. Culture may claim that if you’re financially compensated then an activity isn’t worth your time or effort, but that’s such a lie. There’s much to gain when you use your talents. You glorify God. You learn about yourself and others. Every time you use your God-given gifts, you put a little more light into the world.

That’s not to say using your creative gifts in a professional setting is a bad thing. For some people, that’s exactly where God wants them to use their talents. I’m saying don’t give into hustle culture if God is leading you in another direction. Not every creative skill is meant to be monetized. God can use you and your gifts in many ways that don’t require you to grind.

A Job Well Done

Your gifts aren’t meant to be concealed. They serve a purpose bigger than yourself. Use your talents to glorify God and you will be rewarded, just maybe not monetarily. Remember that the reward we receive through Jesus Christ is greater than any amount of money we could acquire on earth.

Once you start creating art for the purpose of sharing God’s love, you will realize that culture has it all wrong. God gave you certain creative skills for a reason. Discover that reason, and your life will be forever changed.