God’s Ongoing Creative Work in Believers

We know that God creates. This is the first thing we learn about Him in the Bible, that He has created all that is and that we are the culmination of His creative force (Genesis 2:7). We learn that His creation stands as a testimony to those who claim He doesn't exist. This is a testimony they cannot deny (Romans 1:20).

It may surprise you to know that He is still creating and crafting you into a vessel that can be used for its intended purpose, that of good works. God's ongoing creative work in believers flows from our new creation in Christ and reflects God's image in us.

God’s Creative Work in History: The Story of Olaudah Equiano

One such remarkable transformation was that of Olaudah Equiano. He was born in what is now modern Nigeria in 1745. Sold into slavery as a child, he became a Christian in 1759. After raising enough money to buy his freedom he became a missionary and eventually wrote a best selling book, "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Written by Himself."

This book was crucial to fueling the beginning of the anti-slavery movement, especially in England. He said, "...what makes any event important, unless by its observation we become better and wiser, and learn to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before God?" Mr. Equiano was used by God as an instrument to do His will. His Spirit led creativity contributed to the end of slavery.

Ephesians 2:10 describes God's workmanship in us,

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

God’s Ongoing Creative Work in Believers

What a beautiful truth. God had already determined the good works that we should do, but only after we have been newly created in Jesus. What does it mean that we are His workmanship? The Greek word for workmanship is "poiema" and means something crafted with care. The word is related to the English word poem which suggests that it is something beautiful, like a work of art. We had to be created anew because without that workmanship we simply would not be able to do the good that God would have us do.

We know that salvation is not based on our works because we quite literally are a work of God Himself. We are not just appointed to do good works but we are remade so that we can do good works. Doing good, as the verse says, is how we should walk. In other words, they are the way God has destined us to live our lives in His Son. Paul deepens this idea in Philippians.

In Philippians 2:13, Paul reminds us of the purpose that God works in us. It is to "will and to work for His good pleasure." The word work in this scripture means to produce an effect. In Greek it is energōn, from which we get the word energetic.

God influences us powerfully and with energy to do work that pleases Him. These works will be according to God's purpose and they delight Him. We have the responsibility to follow the Lord's influence and we shouldn't ignore His desires for us. Thank God for his influence on us by the work of the Holy Spirit.

God's Hand in Every Season of Life

Since we know that all things work for good to those called according to His purpose, it doesn't matter if we are undergoing trials or persecutions, experiencing miracles or great joy, in all of it God is shaping us for His purpose which is to do good. It is God who builds, creates, and sanctifies us from day to day, year to year, to become more like His Son.

How sad it would be to be saved and yet left to fend for ourselves, trying desperately and unsuccessfully to become holy. But God has made sure that will never happen.

What will your life, His workmanship, look like? Is your life one of obedience, sacrifice, and love? Obedience means allowing Him to make you into what He wants you to be. He will not force us to do His will, but He will offer it to you with the blessings that doing it will bring you.

Expressing God’s Creativity Through Our Gifts

God's creativity is also seen in us as His creation. We have creative gifts with which we serve and do His will. In the Old Testament we read of skilled craftsmen who built His Holy temple (1 Chronicles 22:15-16). Skilled embroiderers are mentioned who made the tabernacle curtains decorated with cherubim (Exodus 36:8). Are you a skilled musician or maybe a dancer? Psalm 149:3 tells us that those talents can be used to praise the Lord.

Just as in biblical times, today we hear of dedicated volunteers who sew caps for cancer victims who have lost their hair. There are talented people who donate homemade teddy bears to children in hospitals. There are workers who build homes for the homeless. We have churches filled with talented musicians who use their creative abilities for God.

When Creativity Is Misused

And yet those same creative abilities can be used for evil. In the Old Testament, those talented artists who carved idols were cursed (Deuteronomy 27:15). We know today that many in the entertainment industry are using their God-given talent, not to serve God, but to glorify evil. Many famous names who grew up singing church hymns seem now to be in the service of evil. How are you using your creativity? Or have you believed you have none? We all have skills that we can use for good.

Discovering Your Unique Creative Purpose

By using our creativity for God we are drawn closer to Him. Your creativity doesn't just have to be in areas we traditionally think of like art, poetry, or singing. Are you a creative problem solver? Many missionaries have to use their creativity to overcome obstacles in sharing their faith and in helping solve day to day problems of the people they serve. How about you? Have you considered new ways to share your faith with others? You may be more creative than you think.

Overcoming Fear to Use Your Gifts for God

Perhaps the biggest obstacle in using our creativity for God is overcoming fear. We think to ourselves that we aren't good enough, we aren't educated enough, or we are too shy to step out for God. But listen to what 2 Timothy 1:7 has to say about fear,

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

If fear is stopping us then it is not from God. What we are really saying is that we are worried what other people will think of us. John 12:43 says that some people loved the praises of men over the praises of God. Maybe we won't be the best writer that ever was, maybe we won't sing like an angel, but who are we worried about pleasing — God or man?

Over and over the Bible tells us to not be afraid because God is with us. This doesn't just apply to scary or dangerous circumstances. It also applies to times when we step outside of our comfort zones and work for God in creative ways. For some, nothing can be more frightening than being in front of a Sunday School class for the first time as a teacher. It can be terrifying to display a God-given talent to those around us.

Every Gift Can Glorify God

Whatever gift we have, according to 1 Peter 4:10, should be used to serve others. Are you friendly? Be a greeter at your church. If you haven't sung, except in the shower, try the choir or praise team out at church. Maybe it will be where you can use your talents or maybe not, but don't let fear stop you from trying.

Are you good at encouraging others? Use those skills for God (Romans 12:6-8). Some creative people are able to find something positive in any situation. Do you like to cook? Bring something to the next potluck or surprise a sick neighbor with a meal.

It’s Never Too Late to Be Creative for God

Don't be surprised if perhaps you come to Christ later in life that you discover that you have creative abilities you never knew about. Exodus 35:31-32 explains that God can fill us with His Spirit, with skills, intelligence, knowledge and craftsmanship to devise artistic designs or in any other way He sees fit. Maybe you never imagined that you could be creative, but God has plans for you and will prepare you for those plans. God is not done equipping you.

God the Potter: Shaping Us for His Glory

If we are the clay and our Father is our potter (Isaiah 64:8), then He is able to continue His creative work in us and mold us into any shape He chooses. Perhaps we have been in the business world all our lives, but suddenly we have a desire and an opportunity to learn how to paint. If that desire is put there by God and we pursue it, we can use it to His glory.

Any way that we choose to be creative, the glory is never for us but always for God. Self needs to take a backseat to the honor and glory of our Lord. All creation will eventually praise Him. If, through our creativity, we can draw the attention of the world on Him then we will have accomplished what He desired with us.

Be a Vessel Prepared for Every Good Work

We are to become a vessel for honor, His honor, not ours. So if you have a creative ability and you are using it for God be sure that He is getting the glory and not you. We don't have to pretend to be humble. We should know that any ability we have comes only from Him. When God cleanses us and makes us whole then we will be, "sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work" (2 Timothy 2:20-21).

Don't you want to be useful? Don't you want to be prepared? Be the vessel He designed you to be! We are created for His glory.

Our sanctification, our preparation, is necessary, because without holiness no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). In 1 Peter 2:9, Peter tells us we are a chosen people "to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." One way we "proclaim His virtues" is by using the creative gifts we have all been blessed with.