Exploring the Creativity of God
Posted by Danielle Street on Dec 28, 2012 in Blog | 42 comments
Along my spiritual journey, I’ve been enjoying the opportunity to taste, feel, hear, and see the remarkable creativity of God. From gazing upon shimmering stars in the sky to witnessing an individual’s life completely changed by Christ, I’m provided with the comfort in knowing we have an extraordinary Creator who is the source of all creativity.
In Genesis 1:27 we are told, “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” As we grow, we will discover creativity is within each of us. We were all born with the desire to create, construct, design, build, and make things. While we enter the New Year with a longing to establish fresh goals, I pray that we remember our creative gifts can be an amazing expression of our faith. Whether we are blessed with the ability of solving problems in unique way or given the skill of taking beautiful photographs, may we demonstrate Spirit-led creativity in any new task or project we are assigned.
Do you believe creativity is within each of us? Have you asked the Lord to help you create goals for the New Year? How do you plan on using your creative gifts for God and others?
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“And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze,” Exodus 35:31-32 ESV
I love this verse. God our Father created the entire universe, and already knows every possible scenario we can creatively imagine for all time. Yes, He knows it all. He is the ultimate artist. However, the thing is, all that He knows, all the wonder He has already conceived hasn’t all been made known to us in full. That’s where we come in. Just as this verse illustrates, God has imbued upon us talents of creativity to bring forth so much more of what he has not already made manifest in this universe. I believe He delights in our channeling His creativity through our physical hands, mouths, and minds. In short, being creative is bringing glory to our heavenly Father. It’s showing a small sliver of His mind to the reset of the world. And I think that makes Him smile. : ) So don’t be afraid to think creatively, because you will be thinking the thoughts of the one true artist. Great post Danielle!
Excellent verse that reminds us that God gives us our creative gifts. Thanks Josh! I agree. God is the Ultimate Artist and Master Designer of the Universe. May we all let God’s creative juices flow through us!
God is so amazing to have given us such a beautiful world to live in and then given us talents and skill to create. Each of our lives becomes a canvas for others to see. Hopefully we bring honor and glory to God through it all.
Very true, Audrey! I’m so glad you added your thoughts to the topic. “For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land.”
I don’t usually think of myself as creative. I’m not “crafty” per se. But creativity is so much more than that. God puts passions and interests inside each of us through which HIS creativity flows. I found that out when we started our blog and public speaking. There is a lot of creativity involved in each, and I know it all comes from God (because, trust me, I could not be creative on my own!)!
Great post!
Carrie, I’m very happy you mentioned that creativity is so much more than being “crafty.” I love what you wrote!! I’m going to pray right now that the Lord continues to guide you and bless you with creativity as you write on your blog and receive public speaking opportunities.
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us…” (Ephesians 3:20).
I absolutely believe that creativity is within each of us. I really like what you said: “We were all born with the desire to create, construct, design, build, and make things.” Too often when people are told to “be creative,” they automatically feel the pressure to be unique or competitive; as if “creative” and “clever” meant the same thing. But I think more attention should be placed on simply DOING. There’s nothing wrong with playing someone else’s song or reading someone else’s script, because by doing so, we are connecting spiritually to one another. Italian poet Dante Alighieri once said, “Art, as far as it is able, follows nature, as a pupil imitates his master; thus your art must be, as it were, God’s grandchild.”
Wow! Great comment, Lauren! I agree. It’s so easy to fall into the mistake of thinking we have to compete in being creative. Instead we must remember we are all brothers and sister in Christ and we can choose to creatively support one another! Very beautiful quote by Dante. Thank you for sharing it!
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (I Thessalonians 5:11). “O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures” (Psalm 104:24).
My favorite part about God’s creativity is the way that He designed us all to serve him in such different ways! My spiritual gifts may be drastically different than another person’s, but they all work together for HIS glory!
Amen!! Praise God! Thank you for adding your thoughts on the topic, Kate! That’s right!
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (I Peter 4:10).
Creativity is certainly a God-honoring behavior, because we are the children of a wonderfully creative God who delights each facet of His creation. When He calls us to “consider the lilies” in Matthew 6, He declares that not even Solomon is clothed as beautifully as they are. These are lilies, which will fade so quickly, and yet He takes care with each of them. I find this really inspiring and convicting, in the same line as your question regarding how we should use creativity for God’s glory. I am an abundantly creative person, yet I can be tempted to be “selfish” with that creativity: to only use it for my pet writing projects and spend less creative energy on my teaching materials, rationalizing it that the children will just forget the lesson or throw away the project in a week. But if God takes such care with fragile lilies, how much more should I take care to pour into the hearts of my students, who are eternal beings made God’s image, and destined for one of two ends?
Thank you for the blessed reminder of Who we should serve with our creative gifts!
Beautifully written, Janeen. Wow! I didn’t even think to link this topic to that fantastic verse in Matthew 6. Thank you for that reminder and sharing from your heart! Amen! May we all use our creativity to glorify and honor God.
“The Lord is good to all: His tender mercies are over all His works” (Psalm 145:9).
Beautiful post Danielle! I like thinking that each creative project I work on in my studio is a prayer to God. This seems especially true when the results are surprising. I often wonder “Where did that come from?” Your post has reminded me. Thank you, Danielle.
Sky, I agree with what you’re saying. Sometimes when I finish a design project, or especially when I whip something out really quick, I sit back and think “It feels like that just poured out of me, I didn’t even think about it!” Thank you Jesus!
Sky and Josh, I can relate to what you wrote, too! Whether its creating a picture in someone’s mind with words, painting a mural, planning a lesson to teach, or taking photographs, I often take a step back and wonder where it came from. May we all continue to give the glory to our amazing Creator who is the source of all creativity!!
The creativity of God makes me think of His unique and individual love. He took the time and love to make us each unique in our creativity. His creativity in giving us unique and creative gifts allows us each to be a unique vessel for Him. What another way that God showed His love towards us!
God treats me to a brilliant pink sunrise this time of year as I stand on the PATCO train platform each weekday morning. Sometime a blazing orange and red sunset on the ride back. Something beautiful on cold grey winter days!
Our Father God, the Creator spoke the universe into existence by the power of his words. He just spoke it and it manifested. Light, Night, Day, Fish, Foul, trees, flowers, mountains, stars…by his words. We were created by the power of his words from the dust to the earth. God breathed into us and we became alive…living souls. And it was good. We were created by the Creator to create. To bring beautiful things into existence that bring glory to God. Since we are creative beings, we can’t help but create it’s a part of our DNA. It’s a part of our nature. It’s how we are wired. We have the ability to create and manifest amazing innovations and works. We just have to believe in what God has placed in us and be disciplined and self controlled enough to manifest them. Nice post Danielle. Thank you for reminding us who we are.
Julie, Susan, and Theresa, thank you so much for adding your thoughts about the creativity of God. Wow! I learned so much from reading your comments.
Julie, thank you for reminding us that when we explore the creativity of God we are learn this is one way God shows His love towards us! Praise God!
Susan, I love how you see a beautiful sunrise and sunset and look at it as a wonderful gift from God! Yay!
Theresa, such a beautiful way to describe how we were created by our Creator to create! Amen!! I really love how you powerfully explained it. May we all remember to believe in the creativity God has placed in each of us and be disciplined and self-controlled enough to demonstrate it throughout our lives!
Great post, Danielle!
I do believe that God has a purpose for everyone and therefore He gives us the necessary “tools” (creativity) to achieve that purpose. I also believe that we’ll only enjoy genuine peace and joy when we’re working for the purpose He created us for. But, even knowing that, I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up:-)
This past season God has been impressing upon me the creativity that is needed for spreading the gospel in this present age.
Methods of the 50′s, 60′s and 70′s don’t work anymore, the world is a much different place.
As we look back at how Christ dealt with people, we see he was radical and shocking to the people of that age. He entered into the tax collectors home and ate dinner with sinners. He spoke to the adulterous Samaritan women at the well. He didn’t sit back in a comfy church and wait for people to come to him and He didn’t just hang with church people at pot-luck dinners and summer picnics.
We need to be equally radical and creative in the methods we use today. That’s why I like Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron from WayOfTheMaster.com Their bold street preaching is just one way to reach people, we’ll need many more in order to find those who won’t be in a church on Sunday morning.
Tradition and “We’ve never done it that way before” is gonna be a tough nut to crack, but we have to persevere. The 2012 elections were a wake-up call for me that America is not a Christian nation anymore, or at least it’s not overwhelmingly Christian friendly.
The mission fields in 2013 are in our neighborhoods and communities, let’s get to it…
Bill and Bob, thank you so much for adding your thoughts on the topic. Amen!
Bill, I agree. We can find eternal joy and peace when we follow God’s call for our lives and do what He created us for. May we all trust that the Lord will give us the necessary creative tools to achieve His purpose for our lives!
Bob, creativity is definitely needed for spreading the gospel and carrying out the Great Commission in this present age. Thank you for reminding us to look to Christ and how He built relationships with people. Jesus demonstrated His creative abilities to unveil the truth of His mission throughout the Bible. I discovered His parables and miracles are two ways He showed evidence of His creativity. I also believe we need to be radical and creative in the methods we use to share the love of Christ. Bob, may you continue to listen to the Lord speak to your heart about this topic and motivate others to do the same! I look forward to checking out Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron from the WayOfTheMaster.com soon!
thanks guys
I agree Bob. And while it can be discouraging to see the direction we’re heading, it’s a comfort to know that human wills and apathy will never be enough to overcome God’s Will and power.
I do believe the creativity of God is within all of us. God wants us to keep our eyes and ears open to HIM so that we will be sensitive to HIS voice. When I am confused as to how HE wants me to use my creativity I ask HIM to speak to me and I am patient and I listen. This is not an easy thing to do when we are surrouned by the background noise of our culture and the negative voice of Satan. It is in those moments that I continue to pray for guidance and for God to put HIS Word in my heart. HE keeps reminding me that “I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13
Thanks Danielle!
Tracey, thank you for reminding us to rely on God’s strength when we use our creative gifts. I love how you choose to take steps towards listening and waiting on God to show you how to use your creativity. The verse you mentioned reminded me of another verse in Luke 1:37. “For nothing is impossible with God.” Praise God!
Being creative takes practice. As we allow God to use us, we develop existing talents and cultivate new ones – often talents we didn’t even know we had.
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might…
Ecc. 9:10a
Amen! So true! Thank you for reminding us of this, Deanna. May we all continue to practice creativity, take the time to discover talents that we never knew we had, and glorify God!
Like Carrie said above, I don’t consider myself to be quite crafty. But I am trying to see myself the way my Savior sees me. I am truly so grateful to God for my body that is healthy, legs to walk on, eyes to see His beautiful creations and arms to give and receive hugs. Daily, I struggle with trying to do things my way verses allowing God in every aspect of my life. I think I say this monthly on your blog, Danielle! Lol. But I do realize with God, there’s peace, love, strength, beauty, forgiveness, self worth, and truth. And His glorious truths can bring out the potential and creativity in all of us and be used to glorify Him. Praise God!
Philippians 4:8-9
Whatever is true, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from Me, or seen in Me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Kathy, I love when you visit my blog and share from your heart. I learn a great deal from what God has been teaching you along your spiritual journey. Putting into practice what we know and have learned can be very difficult! That’s why I’m so thankful for all my brothers and sisters in Christ who have been willing to write on my blog and remind me and others about God’s amazing promises! I love the verse you mentioned. It perfectly reminds us when we follow God’s Word and put it into practice, we will be rewarded with eternal peace. Then God can do mighty things in our lives and we will discover how to use our creative gifts for His kingdom!!
Thanks Danielle:). That verse is just so beautiful and uplifting. It’s a daily reminder to me of God’s perfection and beauty and it is very comforting. Happy New Year! May God continue to use your blog to reach others in 2013.
Amen! Thank you so much, Kathy. Have a very happy, blessed New Year! xoxo
Thanks Danielle for sharing this and inviting us to share our thoughts
Yes I believe there is creativity in each of us and I really enjoy watching people use their gifts in the name of Jesus. I have been a new Christian for a year and a half and it’s been an amazing journey. One verse the stands out the most for me is 2 Corithians 5:17 “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. “.
Just a few days ago, I took out my knitting needles and started to make a scarf for my daughter, Sophia. I learned how to knit a while back…. But this time was different–I have a relationship with Jesus. I was praying with each loop of yarn and movement of my needles…. Praying for Sophia to have wisdom, blessings and protection. I looked forward to the day when it’s finished and I put it around her shoulders knowing God with with me with each stitch and the prayers will be with her as she wears it.
As far as 2013…..I enjoy being the clay and HIM being the potter
. Lead me God I’m yours……
Hi Ann, thank you for visiting my blog and adding your thoughts to the topic. That verse you mentioned is one that my daughter memorized for church one Sunday! She still remembers it! 2 Corinthians 5:17 holds special meaning to me, too.
I love how each step of the way towards creating a special scarf for your daughter you used it to bring you closer to the Lord. It’s such a beautiful reminder of how the journey is important, not just the end result. What a wonderful gift for Sophia that she will always treasure! Praise God!
“Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (Isaiah 64:8).
Psalm 8:3-9: “When I consider thy heavens, the works of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!”
verse 4: “What is man, that thou are mindful of him?” While God has given us a beautiful and intricate creation, what amazes me is His love for us! He chooses to look on and love us as we are – sinners! I am thankful for God’s creation and love through sending Jesus to die on the cross for us!
Proof of God’s love is all around us! From the number of hairs on our head to the beautiful sunset, God pays attention to every detail. Our Heavenly Father loved us so much that He even sent His only Son to die on the cross for our sins. Praise God! Thank you for reminding us of our Creator’s amazing love, Diane!
Thank you Danielle for this encouraging reminder. Each year my family spends time camping, traveling throughout the country spending time enjoying God’s creativity. This is His gift to us. Each sunset and sunrise, each tree and flower, each animal and plant, these are all God’s gifts for us to enjoy. The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins by posing the question, “What is man’s chief end?” The answer is, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” God blesses us by allowing us to enjoy His own creativity, and in return, as you said, He instills His own creativity within us. It is our responsibility to joyfully use that creativity to His glory and honor joyfully. What a wonderful design!
I’m so happy you added your thoughts on the topic, Brian. What a wonderful family trip you take each year! It’s so much more fun enjoying God’s creation with others. Thank you for reminding us of our purpose in life and why we were created. May we all glorify our Creator and enjoy Him forever!
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31).
AMEN!
Thank you for taking the time to read what God has placed on my heart, Kathi!
Hi Danielle.
The way I “create goals” for each new year is to prayerfully choose just one word that will be my focus for that year. Last year (2012) my one word was CREATE. I spent a year exploring my creativity, the creativity of God and how He creates in us a brand new heart. I loved my year with CREATE.
Check out the My One Word process, book and movement at http://www.myoneword.org
Blessings to you and your family!
Rachel,
That’s wonderful! I just checked out the site you mentioned. I love your passion for inspiring others to grow and change. I also admire how you made the commitment to mold into the creative woman God wants you to be!
“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:4-6).