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The Divine Creative

The Divine Creative

Last updated on: October 28, 2024 at 2:28 pm by Keith Giles

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The Divine Creative 2024-10-28T14:28:12+00:00 Keith Giles

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

IMAGE: Keith Giles

We are all familiar with the very first words recorded in the book of Genesis:, “In the beginning…God created.” From the very first moments of existence, Divine creativity was at work, and we are the products of that divine imagination.

But more than that, as Divinely created beings we are endowed with creativity and this means that we are designed to carry on the creative abilities of our Creator.

If we believe that each of us is created by a Creative Being, that means we carry within us the spark of divine creativity.

Many people will say, “OH, I’m not very creative.” But what they mean is that they’re not an artist or a poet, they don’t know how to draw or paint, or write a song, or dance. But being CREATIVE isn’t only about what we think of as “The Arts.”

Creativity is simply about solving problems in a new way. You use creativity when you build a doghouse, or engineer a solution, or when you help two people find common ground on a difficult issue….that’s creativity.

Almost everything we do involves being Creative.

Some of us may wonder if Art is really important or not. Today there’s a lot of emphasis in education on STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] but not as much on STEAM which adds “The Arts” to that equation.

I saw a news story just the other day about how Universities that have invested in STEM are now having to go back and add new courses on literature and poetry and philosophy just to ensure that the next generation understands the human experience and that they can develop the ability to strengthen their empathy for their fellow man.

Why? Because we need the creative arts to remind us of our Divine spark; our original design as human beings who are created in the image of a Being who is radically creative.

It’s so amazing to me that, even today, we are still discovering new species of insects, birds, fish and mammals in various parts of the world. After all this time?! We’re STILL not finished cataloging all the wonderous complexity and beauty and varieties of life on this planet!

Does Art Matter?

Many of us may wonder: does art really matter? Is creativity essential? As Seth Godin once said, “Art is a personal act of courage, something one human does that creates change in another.”

Art, in whatever form it may take, is a mirror reflecting the divine nature within us. It has the power to transform us and to connect us more deeply with each other and with God.

So…does CREATIVITY matter?

I love what actor Ethan Hawke says when he was asked this question recently. He said, “No one really thinks about poetry until their Father dies, or they lose a child. That’s when they ask, “Has anyone ever felt this bad?”

“Or the inverse, when the all in love and their heart explodes and they wonder, “What’s happening to me?” and “Has anyone ever felt this way before?”

Art is most important to us as either a means of healing from and expressing our grief or in celebrating and sharing the joys of life.

Next, he says it’s so easy to find your creative spark by simply asking yourself: “What do you love?”

Is it gardening? Is it music? Is it film? Is it acting? Is it solving puzzles? Or being in nature?

Whatever it is that you love, press into that and you’ll discover your own creative spark.

He also talks about how children are really great at expressing themselves creatively.

Not because they’re more skilled than the rest of us, but because they are less self-conscious about creativity. They’re simply trying to show you who they are by what they do: “I made this!”

Jesus calls us to become like children, to embrace childlike qualities of wonder, playfulness, and spontaneity.

Children live in the moment; they don’t worry about the future or dwell on the past. For them, every moment is an opportunity for creativity. As adults, we must rediscover that childlike wonder and openness to possibility.

I love that Jesus was a storyteller.

He often used parables to teach deep spiritual truths. His stories weren’t just for instruction; they were acts of divine creativity. His words were crafted in a way that they moved hearts, transformed minds, and brought people closer to God.

God’s Creativity in Nature

Nature itself is a testament to God’s boundless creativity. From the intricacy of a flower to the vastness of the ocean, we see God’s creative act revealed. As my dear friend and artist Lito once put it:

“God’s creativity is revealed in nature. Man’s creativity is revealed in art.”

When we create, we participate in this divine flow, reflecting the Creator’s design.

Trusting Your Intuition

To tap into this divine creativity, we must learn to trust and develop our own intuition. Too often, we silence our inner voice, the voice that guides us toward our unique creative expression.

Picasso famously said, “Everyone wants to understand art. Why not try to understand the song of a bird?”

This speaks to the mystery of creativity—something we don’t always have to explain but simply feel and trust.

Embrace Your Uniqueness

Each one of us has a unique voice, a way of seeing the world that no one else has.

The goal of divine creativity is not to fit into the mold of others but to amplify our differences, to share our unique perspective. The artist who transcends conventions, who dares to challenge the status quo, is the one who creates the most meaningful work.

Silencing the Inner Critic

One of the greatest barriers to divine creativity is the inner critic. It tells us we’re not talented enough, our ideas aren’t good enough, or that art isn’t worth our time. But these voices are merely distractions. Creativity isn’t about perfection; it’s about self-expression. It’s about allowing God’s voice to flow through us and into the world.

Openness to Inspiration

Inspiration is like the breath of God—it comes when we create space for it. Just as our lungs need to be empty to draw in air, our minds need space to welcome new ideas. Whether it’s through meditation, prayer, or simply taking a walk in nature, we open ourselves to divine whispers of inspiration.

Let us remember that each of us carries the divine creative within us. Whether you express it through art, music, storytelling, or simply the way you live your life, know that you are participating in the ongoing act of creation.

You are a reflection of God’s creative spirit, and your unique voice is needed in this world.

You matter. You’re important.

As the great Kurt Vonnegut once said:

“Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possibly can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.”

REMEMBER: You don’t get harmony when everyone sings the same note. So, your unique expression of the Divine is necessary and beautiful.

May we embrace our creativity with courage, trust in our intuition, and approach life with the wonder of a child.

And whatever we create, let us create with joy, knowing that in doing so, we honor the Creator who made us in their own image.

The newest book from Keith Giles, “The Quantum Sayings of Jesus: Decoding the Lost Gospel of Thomas” is available now on Amazon. Order HERE>

Keith Giles is the best-selling author of the Jesus Un series. He has appeared on CNN, USA Today, BuzzFeed, and John Fugelsang’s “Tell Me Everything.”

He co-hosts The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast and his solo podcast, Second Cup With Keith which are both available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple, Podbean or wherever you find your podcast fix.

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