To be true.
To be authentic.
To communicate.
To become finished.
To be good?
I believe so.
As creatives, we create and feel good about our art. We see it through a certain set of filters and perceptions. After spending hours (or days) on it, we think it says exactly what needs to be said.
But does it?
Just like a writer needs to have a editor, we need to have what Stephen Brewster calls a ‘blocker’. Another person who can come in and help confirm or clarify for us with honesty Especially someone who may not be an artist.
This is hard to do.
After all honesty doesn’t always get along with feelings. 
But honesty must be present in art. Not only in the creation of it, but in the evaluation of it. I believe this is especially true in art created for the church. Because the art isn’t just for us. It’s not even just for the sake of beauty. It’s for the glory of God.
Allowing someone else to evaluate something we’ve labored over is hard to do. But, we need to be humble and to listen. To set aside our pride. And to not be afraid of the truth.
We also need to not be afraid of being honest when we have the opportunity to offer feedback. I’m not suggesting going and looking for opportunities to be brutal. But offering a little honesty with grace on the front side goes a long way.
It may mean avoiding more hurt, pain, and misunderstanding later.
And the possibility of a missed message.
Because art does communicate. Honesty helps us, as creatives, communicate well.
Because honestly, our art may not be as great as we think.
But with honesty, it can be.
