Creativity for Dummies

I was asked to write an article for our latest church magazine, Culture, on Creativity. 

It gave me an opportunity to express my beliefs about the creative nature of each one of us!  I thought I would share the article with you:

Creativity for Dummies

Living creatively is not an option – it is a necessity for a full and meaningful life.   In Genesis1:26-27, God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature… God created human beings; he created them godlike, Reflecting God's nature. [The Message]

That means that each one of us is made in the image of God the Creator.  We are creative because the Creator made us like Him! He said so – himself!

In being creative we give rise to something new or create something where there was nothing before - relationship, hope, encouragement, plans, food, direction, music, humour, praise, destiny, art, faith, .

Some off the most creative people are those who use their mouths to speak encouragement and life! Others may use their hands to help and fix, or their minds to think of a clever solution.  Leaders can create direction and purpose for an aimless group of people.  Simple creative acts like picking a flower or buying a chocolate, or creating a clean room where there was untidiness before or smiling broadly or waving heartily - these are all ways of creating abundance where there was lack before.

Tough Challenges are fertile soil for creative living – Necessity is the mother of invention.

God may be standing on the sidelines of a difficult life-game you are playing at the moment, shouting encouragement to see the opportunity for creative expression and growth. 

As we face the future, let us hold on to God, look back at heroes from the past who did what had never been done before, and look forward to living brave innovative and creative lives. 

Take 1 area today where you can use your God-given creative ability to give rise to something that was not there before!