Created to Create
Summary: We were created in God’s image, and God is creative by nature. We can glorify God by using and developing the gifts and talents we have been given.
Creative by Nature
God is creative by nature. The first sentence of the Bible says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
We are created in God’s image, and we have God’s creative nature dwelling inside of us.
“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
Everything that you can see—the stars, the whales, the rainforests, the redwoods, the wildflowers, the toucans, the frogs, the lions, the horses, little babies… every creature God created. And we have that same creative nature inside of us because we were created in God’s own image.
“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” Romans 8:11
Yes—God’s Spirit dwells in you if you have accepted Jesus as Lord.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Corinthians 5:17
We Have All Been Given Gifts
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Romans 12:6
Just like light shining through a stained-glass window, God wants to shine through you in a unique way. (I first heard this idea in Priscilla Shirer’s book, Radiant, which I highly recommend.)
“He [God] has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.” Exodus 35:35
Developing Our Gifts
The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 tells of a master who left the country and entrusted three of his servants with a sum of money (talents). When the master came back, he rewarded the servants who invested their money and rebuked the one who did not. This parable is a great reminder to develop the abilities that God has given us—whether they are great or few.
Paul says to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:14, “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”
Jesus says in Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given, much will be required.”
God has blessed me richly with gifts, talents, and an incredibly supportive family and community. I want to use what He’s given me and bless others. I want to show the love of God to those around me. I want to express His creative character through the art that I make and the words that I say.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…” Colossians 3:23
Creativity is not limited to visual art; we can express God’s creative nature through words, music, poetry, architecture, our homes, and relationships.
Final Thoughts
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
Another version says that we are “God’s masterpiece”.
I want to use my God-given creativity to glorify my Maker and my King. When I stand before the throne and hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” I want to know that I gave God my all every single day. I want to live each day for the glory of my Lord and my King, Jesus Christ. I want to glorify God through the gifts and talents I have been given.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Ecclesiastes 9:10
