created to create
Partnering With the Creator God
August. Hmph. The most bittersweet month in a teacher’s year. Trying SO hard to hang onto that last bit of summer, while fighting my teacher-brain’s tendency to think about all that needs to be done for the new school year. There’s something thrilling about the thought of a fresh start, new students, new curriculum, new classroom décor, and new possibilities!
For me, fall also brings my mind back to all of my creative projects that get abandoned during the crazed frenzy of summer: scrapbooking, card making, diamond art, sewing and quilting just to name a few. I seem to be collecting hobbies as efficiently as a coin enthusiast adds to their collection of coins. It started with one crafty hobby and grew from there. Why? To put it simply, I love creating and making things…starting out with a pile of supplies and turning it into something beautiful. The process is so satisfying and enjoyable. A completed card, scrapbook, or quilt gives me such a feeling of accomplishment. There’s something life-giving about bringing an idea into reality.
I love creating and making things…starting out with a pile of supplies and turning it into something beautiful. The process is so satisfying and enjoyable.
I don’t believe that’s an accident.
From the very beginning of Scripture, we are introduced to God as a Creator. Genesis opens with God bringing light into darkness, shaping the earth, and filling it with life and beauty. He created with purpose, imagination, and love. Then He created us.
The Bible tells us In Genesis 1:26-27 that we are made in the "image of God" (Imago Dei). That means we were created to reflect who He is. Because we’re made in His image, it makes sense that many of us have a desire to create too.
The ability to imagine.
The desire to build.
The gift of bringing beauty into the world.
The longing to make things better for others.
These all point back to our Creator.
Have you ever thought about your creativity as a form of worship?
Sometimes we think creativity belongs only to artists, musicians, or people who are naturally "creative." But creativity shows up everywhere. It is in the person who finds a new way to help someone in need. It is in the neighbor who creates community. It is in the problem-solver who finds a better way. It is in the gardener who patiently cultivates life. It is in anyone who uses their gifts to bring goodness into the world.
Think about the joy of creating something and sharing it with someone else:
A handmade gift given with love.
A meal prepared with care.
A handwritten card or note to encourage someone who’s struggling
A photograph or bouquet of flowers to remind someone of God’s beauty
A word of encouragement shared at the right moment.
These simple acts can become offerings to God when they come from a heart that desires to reflect Him. He delights not only in what you create but in the heart that creates it.
These simple acts can become offerings to God when they come from a heart that desires to reflect Him. He delights not only in what you create but in the heart that creates it.
That is where creativity becomes an act of worship.
Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." He's simply asking us to be faithful. God often uses ordinary creativity to do extraordinary things.
So, my friends, I'd love to leave you with this question: What creative gift has God placed in your hands, and how can you use it this week to worship Him?
