Ungood

Professionalism. This is a touchy concept for many creatives. We spend years honing our craft and developing the confidence we need to be able to “deliver the goods” when it’s time. Trusting yourself, your training and your practice is good, right?

Only up to a point.

The point at which it becomes “ungood” is when we trust solely in ourselves, our giftings, training and preparation. It is profusely ungood to forget that you are a steward of a gift given to you by God, through grace, to touch and bless the world. In proper perspective, our readiness to “deliver the goods” is only part of the equation. The other part is God’s part. This is the part in which we cannot and should not ever try to be responsible. Trusting ourselves is only good in the context of our stewardship of the gift entrusted to us.

It is also ungood to throw away your responsibilities as you are trusting God. This is the obvious mark of an amateur. It is also the mark of laziness. It’s an unhealthy attitude that is the source of much of the bad art that has come from the church for years. Ungood. Truly ungood. Your part isn’t everything, but it is significant.

It’s really about the fine art of balance. It’s about walking in the center of the road and staying out of the ditches. Reality is, the center of this road is partnership with God. He is your partner, and you are His.

”Practice like it all depends on you. In the moment, trust God, because it all depends on Him.” ~ Dan Maclean

My friend Dan hit the nail on the head in this statement.

We prepare.

We do our part.

We know our limitations.

We trust God.

“…that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:12-13 (NKJV)

You are NOT without a covenant. You are NOT without hope. You are NOT without God.

Remember, you have a partner in everything you do. The best partner ever.

He has a partner in you, too… a good one, if I do say so myself.