Artist Jim LePage created a piece of artwork for every book of the Bible. As he read the Scriptures to prepare for this project, he applied his imagination to each scene—processing it visually as if it was a movie and he was the director. His artwork was born from this inventive approach to Bible study. Although Jim admits that some of his work is quite edgy, I think he would agree that his ability to be creative comes from the ultimate Creator Himself—God.
Because God is creative (Genesis 1:1), and humans are made in His image (Genesis 1:27), we too can think up new inventions and create original objects. Bezalel, an Old Testament artist and craftsman, apparently never met a substance he couldn’t transform into something special—including gold, silver, bronze, gemstones, or wood. He could engrave these items and combine them to make beautiful pieces. The man was “a master at every craft” (Exodus 35:33).
These talents came from God. “The LORD [had] filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him . . . expertise in all kinds of crafts” (Exodus 35:31). God also enabled Bezalel to teach these things to his fellow Israelites so they could construct the tabernacle in a way that reflected the uniqueness and beauty of the Lord.
God approves when we develop our creative skills and use them for Him. This might mean learning a new instrument and using it during worship times or creating a video that illustrates a biblical concept. It could be as simple as dreaming up new ways to encourage people or coming up with crafts for the kids at your church.
As an image-bearer of God, you have the power and ability to create things that reflect our amazing Creator!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 9:27-38
More:
Read Isaiah 42:10, Psalm 33:3, and Revelation 5:9 to see one type of song God enjoys hearing. Read Psalm 89:11 to see the reason why God rules our world.
Next:
Why do you suppose the church embraces certain forms of creative expression over others when it comes to worshiping God? How might God feel when we don’t steward His creation well?
Gary Shultz on July 13, 2015 at 6:48 am
Wow, the “next” questions are killers. There is so much to be said, there is much thought to be taken in. Since I’m a product of the very early 50’s, the Christian life and how we do church is some cases has changed a dramatically. I like music that is not left in the church pew and pictures other than the last Supper. Every generation needs to express God in their life. Let taste not be a boundary, maybe just a preference…….. On the flip side we still worship a holy God. The second part of that question leaves me with one. How can this be interpreted, most probably think they are in the right corner? …… Even in these short blogs I like that buttons are being pushed these things need thought. Thanks
jennifer benson schuldt on July 13, 2015 at 6:20 pm
Gary, great thoughts. Worship through the ages has changed. I grew up singing from a red hymnal every Sunday morning. Now, the types of songs we sing are different and we read the words on a large screen at the front of the church. I think it is possible to worship creatively as long as we are still going deep into God’s truth.
Tom Felten on July 13, 2015 at 10:18 am
Thanks, Jen. One of the things that reveals the reality that we’ve been made in God’s image is our creativity. As believers in Jesus, this should encourage us to create things of beauty and purpose that can bless and help others even at brings glory to God!
jennifer benson schuldt on July 13, 2015 at 6:30 pm
Tom, isn’t it interesting that the word “created” is the fifth word in the Bible? In the beginning God created… The first thing we learn about God is that He is creative!
Ruth O'reilly-smith on July 13, 2015 at 3:28 pm
It’s the key verse that grabs me Jen – Bezalel was filled with the Holy Spirit, who gave him his creativity. Zechariah 4:6 reminds us that, “It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies”. We’re all creative at something, we just need the Holy Spirit to show us at what. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to create newness to the glory of God. Psalm 40:3 says, “He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord”.
jennifer benson schuldt on July 13, 2015 at 6:42 pm
Ruth, what an inspiring comment! Creativity does involve God’s Spirit, and our spirits. Ideas for paintings, poetry, and artwork have a way of simply occurring to creative people. Who gives us the ability to generate this “newness”, as you put it? The same One who breathed out the words in the Bible. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16 ESV).
Mike Wittmer on July 13, 2015 at 7:29 pm
This is such good stuff. One of the things I’ve learned recently is that creativity requires discipline. It’s the regular schedule that frees space for imagination. There may be a reason why God created our world in a pattern of 6 days and 1, and then told us to pattern our weeks the same way.