want to have a novel published; I would like to put together a photography exhibition of representations of the cross in unexpected places; and I would like to create a CD of creative remixes and other electronic music.

It seems I am not alone. Many younger--and older--people are seeking to connect with life, express themselves, and share with others through creative expression. In so many different media--music, painting, sculpture, photography, drama, poetry, animation, short films, documentary making, and many more--technological advances and a wider range of entertainment options have led to something of a democratization of art.

But it's not just a sociocultural phenomenon; it's part of who we are. "In the beginning . . . God created" (Gen. 1:1),* and in His wisdom He created us with the ability to be creative. So here are some thoughts--from someone who has embarked upon his creative endeavors without significant success or completion to date--on how your art can make a difference to you and your community:

1. Join a group of artists. Learn from others; share with others. Look for the good in the work of fellow artists. As John Fischer suggests, "When you go where people are and truly listen, you find out the truth is already there." Be prepared to explain how your faith informs and inspires your art. Network to increase opportunities for your art to reach a wider audience.

2. Join or start a group of Christian artists. Find others who share your interest in expressing and exploring faith through art. As a group, develop a theology of your art--how God can be represented in what you do--and encourage one another in using your art for this purpose.

3. Use your art to worship. Work with the worship leaders in your church to explore opportunities for using your art in a worship service. Respect the worship needs of your congregation and find the best ways to introduce unfamiliar, creative ways to worship. Perhaps less formal worship settings may be a good way to introduce your art as worship.

4. Find a tradition. Study the heritage of your art--particularly when it has been used in Christian contexts. Discover how artists of previous generations have used your chosen art form to worship, express, or discover God. In doing this, you will recognize your place in an artistic tradition.

5. Engage with your contemporaries. Gain an appreciation and understanding of how contemporary artists--including those of other faiths and traditions--use your art form to find and express meaning. Respect their work as a valid expression of their search for something. Be alert to possibilities to use your art to point your fellow artists toward the ultimate meaning.

6. Be creative. Be open to moments of inspiration and artistic experimentation. Learn the rules of your art and then stretch or break them. Christian artists need to reclaim the cutting edge of creativity.

7. Do good work. There are already too many examples of substandard art being excused in the name of supposedly noble motives. We should strive for the best. Seek excellence, beauty, hope, and goodness in your art.

8. Use your art to connect. Get your art out in the wider community. Don't use your art just in church settings or confine your creativity to Christian "ghettos." Use your artistic credibility to connect with others and point them to your inspiration. Use your art to serve--"Become all things to all people" (1 Cor. 9:22).

9. Create for God's glory. Remember the original Creator and the true source of creativity. Perhaps it's better to consider oneself as an artistic Christian rather than a Christian artist. "Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31).

10. Just do it. It seems that almost everyone has some latent artistic potential somewhere in the back of their minds--or at least some secret yearning to try. Give it a go. Take a class. Start experimenting. Don't just talk or dream about it; create.

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*Bible texts in this article are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version.

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Nathan Brown is editor of the South Pacific edition of Signs of the Times and the South Pacific Division Record.