“Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. ”
In his book Creativity, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes creativity as follows. Creativity…”is a process by which a symbolic domain in the culture is changed.” Csikszentmihalyi’s definition describes Jesus’ ministry. Jesus subverted the dominant paradigm and transformed society in unique, lasting ways. Jesus’ parables were challenging stories that changed people’s hearts and minds. Jesus addressed the symbolic domain of the existing culture and creatively changed it. Even Jesus’ healings were a creative activity that blessed lives. When the dominant culture cast out the sick, Jesus invited them back into the community through creative action that the religious powers of the day could not condemn.
You don't have to be as brilliant or perfect as Jesus to nurture your creativity. Like Jesus, you learn to visualize and change the surrounding culture in ways that make a positive difference. Creativity isn’t just clever wording or placing paint on canvas. You can be a creative accountant or personnel manager just as easily as a Shakespearean actor. You need the courage to see your world differently and express it differently than you’ve experienced it before.
Creativity shouldn’t be an option in life. Csikszentmihalyi says, “Creativity is so fascinating that when we are involved in it, we feel that we are living more fully than during the rest of life.” We live on autopilot when we ignore our creative mind. Christian spirituality calls us to live more fully. Therefore, creativity is a form of spiritual nurture. When you think beyond the present paradigm and invite the Holy Spirit into the process, God will transform our activities and bring meaningful change.
At Westminster Church, I’ve seen creative change feed the hungry, shelter those without homes, empower the powerless, and bring affirmation amid injustice. Beauty is enhanced, humor explodes, and wisdom is expressed. God is calling you to participate in your unique, sacred creative process. Your life will be more exciting and fun. The more you focus on your creativity, the more your mind and soul expand. In the creative process, you and God come together to recreate. Keep up your creative life!
