How to be a regenerate

Okay, so after my misguided attempt to splice and dice the definition of regenerate, it’s time to head in the opposite direction and embrace its expansiveness.

So, how can one be a regenerate?

As an artist, the most obvious way is to create regenerate art.  What is regenerate art?  Hard to define, but I think of it typically as art that is redemptive.  Art that reveals truth.  Since Christ is the way, the TRUTH, and the life, I think that ultimately anything that communicates truth ultimately points people toward Him and is therefore regenerate.  L’Engle would describe it as art that leaves people feeling more Named.

Then there’s the simple fact that doing anything with excellence glorifies God, so as an artist it is a regenerate activity to create excellent art.  Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire:  “I believe that God made me for a purpose. For China. But he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel his pleasure. To give it up would be to hold him in contempt.” Eric glorified God by using the gift he’d been given to run in the Olympics.  (And, less well known, he ultimately fulfilled his stated purpose on the mission field in China, ultimately dying there.)

I believe part of my life’s mission is to help others grow into the fullness of who God created them to be.  Why?  Because I believe that is one way people bring glory to God.  Author and missionary Elisabeth Elliot wrote, “A jellyfish glorifies its Creator simply by being a jellyfish.  For by being a jellyfish, it fulfills its Creator’s command.”  I translate that into human terms to mean that we fulfill our Creator’s command by becoming who our Creator created us to be.  If he created you to be an artist, embrace it.  I believe by doing so, one is being regenerate. (I also succinctly translate that Elliot quote to say “be a jellyfish!” which drives the Mrs. crazy since I seem to be endorsing spinelessness, but anyway….).

I also think an artist can be regenerate by way of their interactions with other artists.  I personally have found performing in a show to be an incredible bonding experience (perhaps matched only by the bonding that occurs on a missions trip).  An artist can be a regenerate by speaking words of life and love and truth into the lives of those around them.  In their case, it’s fellow artists.

Okay, so how can you be a regenerate if you’re not an artist?  Quite simply by supporting regenerate art and regenerate artists.

On the macro scale, that means attending regenerate movies on opening weekend (the only time it really matters) and taking other steps to see regenerate art succeeds (that’s what my blog tag for “Cultural Activism” is all about — hopefully lots more to come on this in the future).

On the micro level, that means getting to know the artists in your local community and in your church and supporting them.  This can be financially (“starving artists” isn’t a stereotype for nothing) as well as through spiritual and emotional (they’ve got emotions in abundance) support.  Decorate your house with the work of local artists.  Attend their theatrical productions, poetry readings, gallery exhibitions, concerts, dance recitals, book signings, etc, etc, etc.  Pray for them.

Give them opportunities.  Recruit them (without taking advantage of them in a negative way) to help with anything where artistic talent can add value (which is just about anywhere).  Walk the fine line between being encouraging and supportive but not accepting crappy work.  Demand excellence.  They’ll appreciate that.  Just make sure you truly know what excellence looks like.

For far too long, the Church has distanced itself from its artists because it couldn’t understand them.  From any and every perspective, that’s come at too high a cost.  Work to understand them.