Creative Expression…Your “Other" Job
(The above photo was taken during my mission to Kenya, Africa in November, 2016. These young men were doing a creative dance at an outdoor crusade)
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
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)
In all of God’s creation, creativity is unique to people. It is a reflection of our creation in the likeness and image of God. This is an obvious truth, but needs to be said because we are living in a day where creative expression is not only lacking, but discouraged by our lifestyles. Our lives are filled with necessary routines, responsibilities, and obligations. We have things to do. Those important things we do in the service of responsibility should not crowd out times and seasons of creativity and thinking about “other” things in life.
Art, drawing, dance, and music are not the only expressions of creativity. Artists and designers such as myself are not the only people who can be creative. Let me suggest the following expressions of creativity:
1. Praying in new ways and at different times. Praying for others and for your circumstances with an emphasis on seeing how God can work in new and different ways.
2. Asking this question of yourself: “If I did not have the expectations of what others want and need me to do, what would I do?”
3. Which of the gifts that God has given me have I not used for a long time?
4. What opportunities, challenges, and problems can I approach in new ways?
5. Take a walk or bicycle ride and reflect on the textures and colors of nature. Take a few pictures with your phone or camera and think about God’s creative power.
One of the reasons I have conducted the Multimedia In Focus Media and Arts Camp for 18 years is to fan the flame of creative expression and recognizing God’s creative gifting in young men and women, before the demands of life require routine and obligations.
Even after we all start doing our jobs, remember to give time to creativity express what God has given to you.
