Field guide · Terrain · “He leads me in paths of righteousness”
Us with Godand Making Things
Forecast: a blank page under partly cloudy skies, with a high chance of sawdust.
Four tired ways to walk
Each has some truth in it. None of them is the whole story.
Under GodSheep that hide from the Shepherd
Making art is frivolous. God wants me doing serious things.
Over GodSheep that know the way
Talent plus technique plus hustle equals success. God isn’t really part of the craft.
From GodSheep that follow the grass
God, bless my project so it finally takes off.
For GodSheep trying to be the sheepdog
My creativity only counts if it’s useful for the ministry.
We get to make things alongside the Maker, for the joy of his name.
God looked at all he had made and called it “very good” (Gen 1:31). He filled Bezalel with his Spirit for skill in metal, stone, and wood (Ex 31:1–5), so the workshop is holy ground too. “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all” (Ps 104:24). When we cook, build, paint, code, or plant, we join the first Maker in something he loves to do. We can make things with him and enjoy them with him.
Where the Shepherd isJesus was known in his hometown as the carpenter (Mark 6:3). He worked with his hands for years before he preached a sermon.
Fellow travelers
People in Scripture who walked this ground before us.
- Bezalel and Oholiab were filled with skill for every kind of craft and given the ability to teach others (Ex 35:30–35).
- David played the harp for a troubled king and wrote songs we still pray today (1 Sam 16:23).
Keep walking
- With God: Sheep that know his voicethe posture every entry points to
- Which Way Are You Walking?a short self-check
- The Field Guideevery entry, by terrain, weather and crossing