“Jesus didn’t come to make us safe. He came to make us brave.” -Gary Haugen, International Justice Mission.
Safe by definition…
-secure from liability to harm, injury, danger, or risk: a safe place.
-free from hurt, injury, danger, or risk: to arrive safe and sound.
-involving little or no risk of mishap, error, etc.: a safe estimate.
-careful to avoid danger or controversy: a safe player; a safe play.
We believers tend to have a sense of entitlement to be heard… but don’t we need to earn that right? We can’t earn that right by continuing to make crappy art that is predictable, bland, one dimensional, & “safe”. When will we be free to cease responding and reacting to the world, grabbing hold of what has already been created and making our own “safe” version, and begin to create culture that isn’t a sub-culture?
I realize these aren’t new thoughts. If you’re tired of hearing discussions like this, feel free to stop right here. But if you want to dream with me, keep reading.
I am sitting on 2 dozen unfinished songs for fear of them being lame. For every 1 song that I write or co-write there are 6 others that I just don’t feel are even close to being ready. Maybe they’re too raw, transparent, or not sing along friendly. But, if Jesus came to make us brave as Mr Haugen stated, why am I also falling prey to the fear of taking risks in my art?
If we are truly free in Christ, one would think that freedom would translate into the pinnacle of creativity w/ no walls or lids instead of finding it recycled, predictable, and full of “insider” language. The moment we default to the safe “happy” place and judge those creating on the edge, we have become ineffective and out of touch.
God, I’m sorry for not always offering You my very best. My own insecurities sometimes pull me to my own safe happy place, but that’s not where You live. My heart belongs to You. You continue to inspire us to new heights to create outstanding works for Your worship and Your glory. NOW, may we get up and bring you our BEST art. Be it raw, risky, and uncomfortable. May it flow from us, to You as an offering.
Shalom.
Chad Jarnagin
waitsfornone
May 20, 2009 at 10:41 pm
I will say I have almost completely stopped listening to artists labeled Christian because of this ‘safe art.’ I want to be inspired and taught by the recordings I listen to. As an engineer that listening translates into how I listen to something I am mixing. Who is more deserving of our greatest efforts than He who granted us Life and Talent…
steve campbell
May 21, 2009 at 8:46 am
Our culture dictates that we program or write or perform to the masses which usually translates to the lowest common denominator. We don’t want to offend this class or make that one uncomfortable – it’s not without some merit because we don’t want to run people off – but as we strive to be the best and do the best for our creator, we need to somehow teach the masses to strive for the best themselves. We need to expect the best from each other.
Thanks for sharing Chad!
Nic Allen
May 21, 2009 at 9:01 am
maybe the word safe like the word free needs to be redefined for us. we are free from sin because we are slaves to christ. maybe the only safe art we can create is the one completely vulnerable in its humanity and totally uncensored in its divinity. i once heard someone say that if God calls you somewhere dangerous like darfur or afghanistan, then the only safe thing to do would be to go. living (and creating) where God wants you may be both the free-est and safe-est thing we can do!?!?
Chad Jarnagin
May 21, 2009 at 10:45 am
Via Facebook: Sprocket Vt at 11:35am May 21
“good article. We are safe with art so that our “art” will sell and be acceptable to the masses. at the core, we want people to accept us. the sound of applause is often more important than honesty.”
Via Twitter: @mindpunch
“WE should be living the “Good News” out in the real world in unsafe places in unsafe ways”
Randy Elrod
May 21, 2009 at 5:50 pm
A big huge AMEN!! Great post, Chad. The quote and your thoughts remind me of the pivotal book (for me, at least) “The War of Art” by Stephen Pressfield.
To quote Buchanan “Our God is not safe.”
Randy
Andrew Turner
May 22, 2009 at 11:05 am
Mute Math! They are Christians but actually sued their record company when they were put on a “christian”. Anybody that still plays a Keytar is taken chances with their art. Ha.
But when they did do a worship record at Victory in New Orleans for hurricane relief I think (“Elevator Music”) it HAS to be the most powerful thing I’ve heard in years… (Oh and I work for a big worship company myself so I’ve heard a few.)
Chad Jarnagin
May 23, 2009 at 10:41 am
Randy- I haven’t been able to find The War of Art… searching again… thank you.
Andrew, thanks for the comment man. Artists like MuteMath, Paramore, and Augustana are leading by example and are the case and point. Being brave and free to fight the status quo as believers…
Brendiggity
May 24, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Good thoughts, for sure. It reminds me of part of a story our friend, Mr. Lewis, has written…
“ooh!” said Susan, “I’d thought he was a man. Is he – quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.”
“That you will, dearie, and no mistake” said Mrs Beaver; “if there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.”
“Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy.
“Safe?” said Mr Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”
Chad Jarnagin
June 4, 2009 at 7:50 am
Well said Brendiggity. :)
Status quo = safe (90% of the time)
Challenging that status quo seems to be the way to true change and inspiration.