Artists' Junction

God calls every person in His Kingdom to a lifestyle of strong character and honor. Despite what our culture might think and accept, artists in His Kingdom are not exempt from this high calling. In the fog of today’s relative humanism and post-modern thought,  character and honor have become foggy issues. We are attempting to clear the fog and set before artists the challenge to live in honor as one of God’s mighty warriors as we also live in child-like faith and wonder.

We understand that no one person, except Christ himself, will ever perfectly live up to this code. However, that should not stop any of us from trying — and encouraging our colleagues to walk in the same. Therefore, at AJI, our leadership at all levels is committed to learning to live and work as a team, and as individuals, according to the "Master's Artist Code of Honor," recognizing Jesus as Lord and King.

Character traits in God's Kingdom:

Courage

I choose not to be intimidated by problems, overwhelming amounts of information, negative people or anything else. Instead of shrinking from obstacles, I embrace them. I daily choose to “take courage” from within my spirit and encourage others to do the same.

Personally responsible

I choose not blame people, systems, or circumstances for my lack in my life. I accept responsibility for the contributions, be they positive or negative, that I make to my own life and in supporting those with whom I live and work. I understand that as a redeemed child of God I have the authority and ability to speak wholeness into every aspect of my life and into the world around me.

Trust

I choose to trust God. I choose to trust my leadership. I choose to trust myself. I choose to trust the community of artists with whom I associate. I see the value of trust and am willing to operate from that place despite its risks, understanding that trust must be earned as well as given.

Honesty

Radical honesty is my key to being responsible and accountable. I understand that to commit to being honest is a choice to be open and vulnerable. I will not compromise honesty when the results I desire are not there. I understand that truth is based in Scripture and that honest confrontations with truth must be handled within appropriate guidelines.

I will not fail to tell the truth, thinking it will hurt others. I realize that when I do that, wrong adjustments are made because of inaccurate information. I choose to tell the truth to myself and to others even if it is uncomfortable. I choose to receive the truth about myself from others even if it is uncomfortable.

Commitment

I strive to always keep my word. I say what I mean and do what I say. I understand that this is the foundation of any long-lasting, successful relationship. I strive not break agreements, small or large. Consistency in my commitments is crucial to the success of any relationship. I am committed to the teams in my life, be it family, associates, organizations I serve, and the artists’ community. I understand that when I am late, we are all late; when I fall behind, we are all behind; when I fail, we all fail.

Focus

 I will strive to not be distracted by the temptations of busy-work. I understand that It is an issue of productivity vs. activity. As I discover the critical values and activities that make my life and work most effective and reduce stress, I will choose to honor and do them. I choose not to let  “personal stuff” get in the way of the mission I commit myself to.

Abundance

I choose to operate from an abundant mindset about money, opportunity, time, etc. in every circumstance and refuse to accept the notion of “the starving artist” as being my life expectation. I am creatively solution-oriented, even when facing shortages, allowing me to not be limited in getting my work done due to lack of time, people, assistance or resources.

Humility

Humility is the opposite of pride. I choose to daily walk in humility, having both a sense of who I am and, more importantly, who I am not. I will learn to confidently contribute from my strengths and, in areas where I am weak, step aside to allow others to contribute from their strengths.

Contribution

I choose to work from an attitide of service and contribution. I look to contribute to the community, clients/customers, those above or beneath me in authority, and anyone I am in contact with. I understand this to be the Master’s “Big Picture” for a leader of influence. I choose to look beyond “what’s in it for me.”

Honor

I choose to honor God by being the person God has made me to be and to honor those I live and work with. I will stive not to dishonor God, myself, the community of artists in which I live, my family, or other associates by engaging in Scripturally unethical behavior. I embrace self-honoring and God-honoring practices that lead to success.

Knowledge

I am committed to improving my knowledge about my art form, the arts industry and technology, leadership skills, and other areas of personal and spiritual growth that will forward myself and others. I am committed to take on my personal development, increasing both the capacity and competency of my life in all areas.

Forgiveness

I choose to forgive those who disappoint or wrong me, even if they do not seek my forgiveness. I understand I am the only one responsible for my response to the words and actions of others. By choosing to forgive and let go, I am also choosing not to fall into resentment, resistance and revenge.

Love

I choose to love others unconditionally, just as God loves me unconditionally. I understand that love is a choice that must supercede and overcome my biases and personal prejudices. For without love, though I may possess all of the above qualities, I have nothing.