Shaping Purpose: The Connection Between Faith, Growth, and My Art
Tammy Jo SchoppetGrowing in Faith and Creativity: A Journey of Transformation
Living an uplifted life, for me, is always about growing—whether in my skills, character, or understanding of the world. But as a Christian, my growth isn’t just about self-improvement; it’s about deepening my faith and becoming more like Christ. True personal development and spiritual growth go hand in hand, shaping not just who we are but how we live out our faith every day. That belief is at the heart of EXPRESSives—every piece I create is meant to inspire, uplift, and serve as a daily reminder of faith, joy, and growth.
The Connection Between Faith, Personal Growth, and Creativity
1. Faith Shapes Our Growth
When we walk with Christ, our faith becomes the foundation for every part of our lives. The values we hold, the choices we make, and the way we navigate challenges are all influenced by the wisdom found in God’s Word. In my own life, this foundation shapes the way I approach my art. My ceramics aren’t just functional pieces; they’re vessels of encouragement—each one thoughtfully crafted to remind us of God’s goodness and the beauty of growing in faith.
2. Growth Requires Reflection
Just as Scripture encourages us to examine our hearts (2 Corinthians 13:5), personal growth involves self-reflection. Every time I sit at my pottery wheel, I’m reminded of how God shapes us—sometimes through gentle refinement, other times through life’s pressures that mold us into something stronger. It’s a process of surrender, just like clay in the hands of the potter (Isaiah 64:8). Recognizing where we need growth isn’t about guilt; it’s about grace, allowing God to shape us daily into something more beautiful and purposeful.
3. God’s Word Gives Us Purpose and Direction
Personal development often focuses on setting goals, but without a deeper purpose, those goals can feel empty. As believers, we find our purpose in God’s plan. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. This truth is woven into my work—I don’t just create for the sake of creating, but to express joy, faith, and encouragement in ways that touch people’s hearts. Whether it’s a cup that reminds you to “Calm the Chaos” or a daisy bowl symbolizing joy, every piece carries meaning beyond its form.
4. Community Strengthens Growth
Christian growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. The same is true for creativity—art and faith thrive in community. That’s why I love sharing my process, encouraging others to embrace their own creative gifts, and offering pieces that spark connection, whether as gifts or personal reminders of faith. Community fuels both personal and spiritual growth, giving us a support system to encourage, uplift, and inspire one another.
How Faith, Creativity, and Personal Development Work Together
If we look at personal development through a biblical lens, we see how deeply it’s connected to our faith and creativity:
- Becoming More Compassionate – The Bible calls us to love our neighbors (Mark 12:31). Art has a way of speaking love into people’s lives, whether through an encouraging message on a piece of pottery or the simple act of giving a handmade gift.
- Practicing Gratitude – Scripture is filled with encouragement to give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18). My work is an act of gratitude—every brushstroke, every glaze, every finished piece is a reflection of the joy I find in creating.
- Persevering Through Challenges – Faith strengthens us in trials. Romans 5:3-4 reminds us that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope. There’s beauty in imperfection, in the process of trying, failing, and refining—both in life and in art.
- Setting Goals That Honor God – Rather than chasing worldly success, we seek to live out God’s calling with integrity and purpose (Colossians 3:23). For me, that means creating work that not only brings joy but also encourages faith and inspires hope.
Growing in Faith, Growing in Creativity
At its core, personal growth for a believer is about transformation—allowing God to shape us into His image (Romans 12:2). It’s about surrendering our plans to His, leaning on His wisdom, and trusting that as we grow in faith, He will guide our steps. It’s the same process I see every day in my work—taking raw clay and shaping it into something meaningful, just as He does with us.
So whether you’re setting goals, working on self-improvement, or simply seeking a deeper relationship with Christ, remember: your personal growth, your faith journey, and even your creative pursuits are beautifully intertwined. Keep pressing forward, trusting that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). And may you always find ways—big or small—to express that faith, joy, and creativity in your own life. 💛