When Talent Turns Into Temptation: Handling Pride as a Christian Artist

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." - Proverbs 11:2

As artists, we pray that God would use our gifts. We dream of creating something beautiful, something that moves people, something that matters.

But what happens when He does?

What happens when your work starts to gain attention—when it’s recognized, applauded, even celebrated? What happens when people begin to notice the work… and maybe start noticing you?

There’s a quiet temptation that creeps in at this point—one that every artist, every creative, and frankly every human will face at some point:

Pride.

What is pride, exactly? Well, it's a clever method the enemy uses to hijacks a good thing - like your God-given talent - by setting an excessive amount of your attention on it.

Not False Humility—True Perspective on Handling Pride

Now, notice that I said an 'excessive' amount of your attention. Let’s be clear: as Christian artists, we are not called to false humility. You don’t have to downplay your talent or pretend your work doesn’t matter. You are allowed—even invited—to take joy in what you’ve made, just as you would rejoice in the work of another.

We are created in the image of a Creator. When we reflect Him through art, beauty, or craftsmanship, it’s not arrogance—it’s gratitude through recognition of where the talent comes from.

But pride is subtle. It doesn’t always announce itself as self-exaltation. Sometimes, it looks like a quiet comparison. A lingering sting. A moment of irritation that no one mentioned your name even though they praised your piece.

That’s when pride is exposed.

The Warning Sign: Are You Taking Joy in the Talent or the Credit?

Here’s a simple litmus test:

When your work is noticed, but you are not—and it gets under your skin—that’s when you know you’re not just taking joy in the talent. You’re taking joy in the credit.

That’s where a seed of pride may have taken root.

And that’s okay. Every believer, every artist, will face this battle at some point. The question is not if it happens—but what you do with it when it does.

So What Do You Do With a Seed of Pride?

Here’s what not to do when handling pride:

Don’t start beating yourself up.

Don’t spiral into false humility.

Don’t start minimizing your gift or pretending it doesn’t matter.

That’s not repentance. That’s shame. The bible tells us that there is 'no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.' (Romans 8:1)

Instead, do what Scripture calls us to do:

Be honest. Be humble. Be quick to correct course.

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." – James 4:6

True humility says, “That crept in, Lord. I saw it. I acknowledge it. I give it to You.”

Then—brush yourself off. Give the credit and the glory back to God. And move forward, wiser and more grounded than before. Understand that this may be a frequent or even daily temptation; but God 'will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able.' (1 Cor 10:13)

Why Handling Pride Matters

God’s not looking for perfect artists - there aren't any, and He knows that. He’s looking for surrendered ones.

He wants to entrust His glory to those who won’t claim it for themselves. That’s why the battle with pride matters—not because your talent is wrong, but because your heart is precious to Him, and your gift is valuable to others.

And here’s the beautiful truth:

When your heart is aligned, God can do more with your art than you ever could on your own.

Final Thoughts: Keep Creating, Keep Surrendering

If God is using your artwork—praise Him. Keep going. Stay available. Stay grateful. Keep creating in the full confidence that your gifts matter because they came from Him.

If the enemy finds out that other lies aren't working on you, he will try to knock you off course using pride—and he will try—but don’t let it derail you. Let it redirect you. Let it remind you of who the real Artist is.

Because in the end, we’re just recreators.

And all the glory belongs to Him.