Schooled in Denial

Walter Brueggemann raises some interesting insights in this video. Does ministry to the wounded take an artist? I would have to agree with him and say "yes." It does take an artist to maneuvering past people's denial. It takes a creative approach to reorient people towards a fresh perspective on faith and life. Vincent Van Gogh once said, "The more I think it over, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." I wholeheartedly agree. If we really let ourselves get lost in the love of Christ, I believe we will find ourselves creatively loving those that God brings into our lives (be it for a moment or for a lifetime). But because of sin, we are self-absorbed when it comes to loving people where loving people becomes a hassle and/or way too much work. Creative loving never even makes it onto the scene, let alone into the relationship.

To be able to prophetically speak to people's hearts in love, in order "to get them in touch with their pain," will take a creatively gentle hand. One that seeks to illuminate the dark painful areas in people's hearts that are enshrouded with shame and guilt with the loving light of the Gospel. It will take artists who are steeped in the Word of God and filled with the Holy Spirit. Trustworthy people who understand that worshipping the Father in Spirit and in Truth is a non-negotiable (John 4: 23, 24). I believe that the more a person lives in worship to the Father in Spirit and in Truth, the greater their capacity for creative love to the wounded will be.