Being Creative: From and For God

When you hear the term ‘creative,’ you may picture someone writing, drawing, or playing music. Perhaps you feel you are not very creative because you are a teacher, an accountant, or an entrepreneur. Or you may think creativity is a special ability possessed only by people with a dominant right brain.

Are all those assumptions true? What is the true meaning of being creative?

 

God, the Creative One

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. – Genesis 1:1

Creative (creative) comes from the word create which means to make something. Interestingly, creation is the very first thing told in the Bible. The process of creation marks a very important beginning for God’s plan in the world. Creativity comes from God, the first and greatest Creator. And you are the fruit of His creativity.

God is the true source of creativity. He not only created the world, but also innovates, develops, and sustains everything in extraordinary ways. For example, just look at the number of human ethnic groups, as well as animal and plant species that. According to researchers, the earth has around 8.7 million species, and most of them (about 86%) have not yet been identified. It would take more than a thousand years to catalog all living species using traditional methods!

Jesus, the Son of God, is also a creative person. In His teaching, He used many parables so that His message would be easy to understand and remember (Matthew 13:34-35). For example, the story of the lost son (Luke 15:11-32), the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), the lilies cared for by God (Matthew 6:27-30), as well as yeast in the dough that illustrates the kingdom of God (Matthew 13:33).

Why Were We Created Creative?

So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. – Genesis 1:27

Human beings were created in God’s image. This means you also inherit His character: creative, just like the Creator Himself. Look around you: beautifully designed buildings, subways, mobile phones, satellites, medicines, musical compositions, city layouts, factory machines, your shoes and clothes, as well as all kinds of household tools. All of these were produced by capable and creative people, who are themselves God’s creation.

God always has a plan in everything, and that means He wants you to be creative for a reason:

The servant who had received five talents came and brought five more. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents; see, I have gained five more.’ His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into your master’s joy.’ – Matthew 25:20-21

Yes, God made us creative so that we would bear fruit and glorify Him. Creativity delights God’s heart.

Creativity is not limited to artistic things and does not have to take the form of a product. Marketers, mechanics, scientists, athletes, therapists, or psychologists, for example, use their creative capacity to improve the economic standard of society, make business productivity smoother, develop scientific solutions, bring honor to the nation, and help others.

You always need the creativity of others, and the same is true the other way around. So be confident in your work, as long as it can bless others and glorify God. For example, a composer creates songs to inspire others and to meet musical needs in performances, worship services, or films. In ways like these, God is glorified.

More than that, the world needs Jesus, the Savior. Often, people come to know God through creative works, such as worship songs, writing in Scripture, sermons in church, or someone’s testimony. So, to introduce God to others, you also need to be creative!

True Creativity

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as for the Lord and not for men. – Colossians 3:23

Whatever your profession is, whether writer, musician, teacher, accountant, or chef, apply your creativity in your work, whether to design written works, songs, teaching methods, financial systems, surgical techniques, or food menus.

However, remember that your creativity must be accountable. Creative ability is needed in every field, but not everything may be handled “creatively.” For example: a finance expert may think creatively to reduce operational costs without having to lay off employees, but must not be “creative” in manipulating tax reports.

Tips for Being Creative

Sharpen your creativity with the following steps:

1. Open Yourself and Your Mind

To be creative in your work, you need broad references and a rich store of ideas. If you are a nonfiction writer, for example, try reading fiction books once in a while. Join workshops, seminars, or join an encouraging writing community. Pay attention to your surroundings and absorb every detail and piece of information. You never know when you will need it.

2. Modification and Alternatives

Expand your opportunities to gain creative ideas. Your surroundings can be an interesting source of inspiration. If possible, rearrange the furniture in your room or workspace from time to time. Explore alternative routes to the office. Combine your vacation destinations, for example between city travel and nature travel.

3. Keep Moving

Inspiration often comes when we are doing certain physical activities. So do not hesitate to wash the dishes, ride a bicycle, or take the dog for a walk. These small activities can briefly pull you away from boredom and increase your creativity.

4. Daydream Once in a While

Daydreaming can trigger creativity if it is done with focus and purpose. When you daydream, your brain accesses all data, emotions, and knowledge. Direct your daydreaming toward a specific goal, with sources of information already sorted in your mind, so that your subconscious can dig out the solution.

5. Brainstorming

Exchange ideas with your friends or coworkers to produce as many ideas as possible. No matter how strange those ideas may be, write them down and gather them all. Do not be afraid to think by setting aside all limitations. When you begin to filter them, those ideas may no longer seem so strange after all.

6. Practice

Correct and consistent practice is the key to achieving success. If you have an idea to write a worship song, write it. Whether the result is good or not, you have begun the journey to become a creative person like your Creator. That is what matters most. Keep practicing, and God will bless your efforts to glorify Him.

The world needs you to keep being creative. And to be creative, you need God, the source of true creativity. Whatever your abilities are, they all belong to God and come from Him, so glorify Him with your creativity! - Church GKDI is currently in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

Related articles: Self-Love: Know the Limits of Loving Yourself

Inspirational video: