God said, “Let there be light,” and there was. One word from God created light — something we still can’t quite comprehend. Light destroys darkness. Introduce light into the darkest room and darkness flees. Darkness can’t hold a candle to light.
There was darkness but God lit it up with His creativity. He exposed the shadows and gave way to life. Every creative act of God was preceded by light. God created light. He created creativity. He created us.
Then He gave us a task. God created us in His image. He created us to create. We’re meant to create light. We are “the light of the world.”
That’s what creativity is. Creativity is about seeing things others don’t, and then showing them how to see it too. We help others see something previously obscured by darkness. We bring attention to it. We separate it from the darkness. And there is still so much darkness in the world.
Your guitar, paintbrush, computer, camera, voice, etc. are instruments of light in your hands. You’ve been given the gift of illumination. Let there be light.
But what does your creativity help people see?
Does your creativity highlight your brilliance? Your pastor? Your church? When the light gets flipped on, are people looking at the wrong things?
Or do they see truth? Beauty? Christ? Does your light shine on Christ? Does what you do bring attention to the only thing worthy of worship?
We’ve been given creativity to shine light into a dark world. We’ve been given the task to reveal Christ. That is the ultimate purpose for creativity — to shine the light of Christ so the world can see Him. Everything else is just vanity.
What are you illuminating with your art?
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
Jonathan Malm writes and speaks about the creative process — especially for churches. Check out his blogs: JonathanMalm.com and ChurchStageDesignIdeas.com.