To Be Uncreative is to Be Ungodly

Think of godliness and the conversation usually revolves around morality.

Why does creativity rarely come to mind when we ponder how we as human beings reflect God, remembering that how well we reflect God is the essence of godliness.

The Scriptures declare: "pursue godliness" (1 Tim. 6:11)

Why do we criticize others for lacking "godliness" as it relates to morality, but we so quickly and casually relinquish our responsibility to pursue creativity? According to the Scriptures, using our creativity to do good is part of what it means to be godly.

In Genesis 1:26-27, "God created man and woman in his own image, in the image of God He created us; male and female He created us."

In simple terms, God declares that we are His "image-bearers."

This is how God comes on the scene with humanity. And although most are familiar with this passage, we rarely grasp the full extent of its implications. At the very beginning of human existence, these are the words with which our Creator describes us.

But why is it that we rarely ponder the depth and breadth of what this really means, especially when it comes to our own contributions of creativity?

Just think about all that has transpired leading up to this declaration.

The Creator of the Universe has just sculpted the islands of Greece with the picturesque white sandy beaches. He has just filled the wondrous Victoria Falls with rushing waters. With an upward stroke of His brush He brought us the extravagant and breathtaking Swedish Alps. It goes on...

Up to this moment, this is what we know about God. This is what God has been doing, and I cannot imagine how much joy came with it.

Then He calls us "image-bearers?"

If we just stopped reading right there, what would that mean for our lives? God is this magnificent Creator, and we bear His image and likeness.

No, I don't think we can create beaches, waterfalls, and mountains, but I am convinced that the future of humanity awaits our contribution. We must use the capacity and creative potential that God has entrusted to us.

When someone is referred to as a "godly person," we must not just assume they are devout, self-sacrificing, or morally virtuous. We must consider that godliness is not just about certain qualities of character, but also entails our capacity as human beings to be co-creators of the future and all that is good.

When God created the universe, He took day seven to rest. But some of us live like He is still resting. We must wake up from our slumber because God is not asleep and inactive, nor does He want us to live this way.

Jesus said, "My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too am working" (John 5:17).

Creation was simply the first movement of a magnificent symphony...

In 2 Corinthians 6:1, the Scriptures refers to us as "God's co-workers," and declare that we must not "receive His grace in vain." In other words, God's grace must move us to action, to create more good in the world in a way that aligns with God's purposes. God's grace must guide us toward being the true "masterpiece" that we are, "created to do good," that which "God prepared in advance for us to do" (Eph. 2:10).

We are "co-creators" who are invited to partner with God in creating a different and better future for humanity.

Perhaps one of our great challenges in becoming like God (i.e. "godliness") is to realize that creativity encompasses making a distinct mark on human history in a way that draws others to God Himself.

How will creativity be part of your pursuit of godliness?

How will you use your capacity for creativity to affect the future of humanity?