Missional Enterprise and the Arts

Did you know that the first person in Scripture specifically described as being “filled” with the Spirit wasn’t a prophet, priest, or king—but an artist?1

You may be surprised to discover that the first such reference is in Exodus 35, describing the artist and craftsman Bezalel:

Then Moses said to the people of Israel, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft. Exodus 35:30-33 (ESV)

God filled Bezalel with His Spirit so that he could work with excellence. Regardless of the type of work we do, we should be encouraged to realize that God wants the filling of His Spirit to equip us with skill, intelligence, knowledge, and craftsmanship for the everyday activities we face in our work.

At the same time, God’s Spirit empowered Bezalel not just to build but to create specifically through artistry and craftsmanship. Those of us called to artistry in missional business can draw inspiration, knowing that the creation of artistic works can bring God glory.

Finally, while many missional entrepreneurs may be involved in businesses that seem disconnected from the world of art and beauty, we can all find guidance in learning how art and artistic thinking can inform and support our business creation and leadership.

Makoto Fujimura is a contemporary artist, writer, and speaker known for integrating art, culture, and his faith in Christ. In an episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast titled “Art + Faith: A Theology of Making with Makoto Fujimura,” he explains the connection between the genitive thinking that produces art and the genitive thinking central to entrepreneurial activity:

I have been trained to live thinking about abundance, faced with scarcity. That’s an entrepreneur, right? You’re facing certain limitations and challenges and you see those challenges as opportunities . . . those setbacks as a new way of thinking about how to reframe your business. That’s an artist. So two side are thinking exactly the same way.

A powerful example of these principles in action is seen in “Not Dead Yet” (8 minutes) from the Faith & Co. video series. This short film tells the story of a leather goods business that expresses love for God and people through its craftsmanship, showing that business, beauty, and faith can work together seamlessly.

Verse(s) of the Week:

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1 (ESV)

This week, let’s take time to notice the beauty in God’s creation and to proclaim that beauty through the work of our hands. Whether we are artists, entrepreneurs, or both, may we seek to create in a way that reflects His glory.