Harnessing the Power of Creativity

The emcee was exceptionally funny. I was seated in the audience at a large convention, and the opening ceremonies established a circus theme, complete with clowns, helium balloons, popcorn, and a live elephant. The huge jungle animal thundered down the central aisle, causing a major stir on the main floor of the convention center.  Immediately behind him were men in uniform carrying fancy silver-plated shovels.

The master of ceremonies adjusted his glasses and calmly stated, “An elephant eats five hundred pounds of food a day and retains only 5 percent of that amount.”  The crowd was roaring with laughter. That captivating opening set my mind in motion.

Why?  It was unexpected, original, clever, hilarious, and intriguing. The entire opening ceremony included the essence of creativity and ingenuity.  I was hooked—and then the speaker skillfully reminded us of the volumes of information we take in—and of how little we retain, if we refuse to intentionally act on what we learn.

But what is creativity?  It’s the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.  The meaning is close, but slightly different from the definition of ingenuity, which is the quality of being clever, original, and inventive.

So how can we harness creativity for God’s purposes?

• Acknowledge the Source of creativity—God Himself.  “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1).
• Dare to boldly ask God to pour His creativity into you. Bonnie Emmorey says: “I believe creativity is a gift from God. As Creator of the universe, He has all creativity at his fingertips, and He delights in giving it to us. When I ask Him for it, I’m amazed at the ideas that emerge—not out of my brain, but definitely from Him.”
• Allow yourself to be childlike—doodle, daydream, wonder, and explore. Don’t schedule every minute so tightly that you can’t try something random and new.
• Write regularly in a creativity journal. Include scriptures, pictures, drawings, and phrases that interest you.  Sit with your journal 15 minutes a day, even if you don’t feel inspired at first.
• Brainstorm with other creative people—regularly, honestly, and openly—all ideas can be expressed and discussed.
• Try something new.  If it fails, at least you tried.  If it succeeds, it could open great ministry opportunities and adventures.

Thomas Terry and Ryan Lister say: “The rule that should guide your creativity, then, is this: Let everything you create be for God’s glory and the world’s good. So sing hymns. Speak propositions. Write stories. Sing the Psalms. Score new songs…But do so in a way that you cannot run fast enough to lay your art at the foot of God’s throne.”

Be bold in asking God to pour His creativity into you and expect results. Try one new thing this week that is out of your comfort zone or your usual routine. Pray expectantly. Wait with anticipation. Be alert. Tweak the project. Accept wise advice. Give Him the glory.

“Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.” Ephesians 3:20 TPT