God and Creativity
I recently read a book (Images and Idols: Creativity for The Christian Life by Thomas J. Terry and J. Ryan Lister) that changed my perspective on creativity. Art is often seen as a burst of creative expression, of releasing things one holds inside, but it is rarely seen as an act of praise, and even rarer, seen as a way to connect with God. In fact, the two seem to exist in completely different worlds. Let’s begin with the beginning, literally.
One of the first things ever written in the Bible, in the book of Genesis, is the line “In the beginning, God created...” From there it goes on to describe the creations- the heavens, the earth, light, the waters divided by waters, the sky, etc., but it reveals our first understanding of God. He is a Creator that creates. I know, this is a simple statement, and yet, it is far more complex than just the beginning of the Bible. It is a fact I’d never really pondered until recently. Being creative is one of the things that separates humans from all other creations. Whether it’s drawing, painting, sculpting, writing, pottery, playing an instrument, constructing new buildings, etc., we are creative because we have the urge to create. We are bursting with new ideas, new urges, new ways to create art. Why is that? In the grand scheme of things, there is a plan in the works behind the scenes that is much bigger than you can imagine. God is the Creator and therefore all creativity comes from Him. He is the origin.
Let’s dig deeper intro Scripture. In Exodus, God instructs Moses on how the Israelites should build the Tabernacle, which would be His dwelling place among the people. The Lord then proceeds to gift certain people with talents that will help the physical construction and aesthetic application of beauty to the Tabernacle. God fills them with His spirit, giving each individual a specific knowledge of craftsmanship, patterns, appealing colors, fabrics, artistic designs, and other skills. He gifts people with talents involving their hands, ranging from sowing to workmanship to making fragrant blends of incense. He gives them these skills so that His glory will be revealed through them, so that they can worship Him. This act of bestowing gifts upon people so that they may use it to praise Him is used in many forms throughout the Bible. In 2 Samuel 6:14-15, it is stated that David danced before the Lord as an act of worship while the Israelites carried the ark of the Lord with “shouts and the sound of trumpets.”
Romans talks about spiritual gifts tailored for the spiritual kingdom of God in the body of Christ. Romans 12:6-8 says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophecy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, than serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Think about that. I’m sure you’ve never thought of forgiving people or encouraging them as a gift/talent, but it is. God gave you that gift for a reason. You don’t know whose life you will touch or change with your kindness, your teaching, your forgiveness, your help. God is a detailed God and He gives you characteristics/talents according to the purpose and specific destiny He has for you. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,” and Psalm 139:16 says, “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” There is a purpose to your ways and a reason for who you are that will help/push/lead you along the path you’re meant to. The Author of the story of life wrote it in His book before you were ever born.
That’s why comparison, which is extremely easy to fall into, is pointless. You’ve heard the saying that everyone shines in their own due time? Don’t compare your talents to others or your different path to others. Everyone blooms when they’re meant to. Maybe someone else can sing with a voice you wish you had, but maybe you are much kinder in spirit. With kindness, you can change someone’s day or even life. Both gifts influence in different ways, both are equally important, and both follow along the road that your path is.
Your creativity is given to you for a purpose on purpose. You can’t fully dig deep into your creativity unless you understand why it was given to you and WHO gave it to you.When you enter a relationship with God and surrender yourself to Him, you give yourself the opportunity to let God work through you. Though the world has already been made, God continues to create new things through you. “Every act of creativity, in its essence, is an act of worship, a doxological expression of your true humanity and purpose,” is a line from Images and Idols that really stuck with me. What if we stepped toward God in our creative process, instead of shutting Him out and thinking He has no part in this? When sin enters that artistic space, it corrupts its original intent and it becomes self-centered. Instead of honoring God, it becomes something that is self-serving. You see, creativity doesn’t just come from God, but is for God. Think about your intent, your focus, and your goal when creating something. Does it help others? Is it kind? Does it stem from love or from anger? Does it give glory to God, or does it give glory to you? What is the posture of your heart during this process?
Dear reader, I hope you will align your imagination and the beauty of your creativity to God as a gift to Him and the world, as an offering of praise. I hope you will allow yourself to be a vessel for the Lord to work through, I hope that it encourages you to reflect on your intent, and I hope you’ve gained a positive perspective on the creativity that flows from your heart.
(Let me also add, if you liked this blog post and are interested in further reading on the topic of what God has to do with our creativity, buy the book Images and Idols previously mentioned on this post. It is such a good read and will really make you think on how you create & what it’s focus is on).
