Creativity
Adapted from IBLP's 'The Power of true success. How to build character in your life'

Definition: Creativity is cultivating wise thoughts, prudent words and skillful actions to carry out God's will

1. Root word
Gen 1:27 So God created man in his [own] image , in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Created: Bara; form, shape, fashion

Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Formed: Yatsar; squeezing into shape, as with a potter forming a clay vessel

2. Importance of Creativity
A. Evidence of God working in our lives
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works , which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them .

- We are God's handiwork, not just physically but more so spiritually. As God being the Potter and we being clay. The beauty of the handiwork is dependent on how much we yield to God, not so much on us
- We are created for Good Works. Not saved by good works but rather saved for it. Our salvation is God's creation (2 Cor 5:17), old passed away and all things in our life becoming new.

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world : but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind , that ye may prove what [is] that good , and acceptable , and perfect , will of God .

- It is beyond just changing our minds but renewing it!
- We know how the much effect the creative power of God working in us by how much we don't conform to the patterns of this world (ideas, values that are contrary to the ways of the Spirit, Rom 8:1)

B. The Father is glorified

Matt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men , that they may see your good works , and glorify your Father which is in heaven .

First Westminster Confession states that the chief aim of man is to glorify God

1 Cor 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink , or whatsoever ye do , do all to the glory of God .

3. What is the source of creativity?

A. Creativity is activated by thought as God determined in the counsel of His will to create whole of creation, provide a Redeemer and establish good works for believers to follow

1 Pet 1:19, 20, Eph 1:4, Titus 2 and Eph 2:10

B. Our creativity if not based on Scripture, the results would produce selfishness or evil. Therefore we need a renewed mind (Rom 12:2).

C. Creativity is energized when thoughts are expressed in words

Gen 1:3 And God said, Let there be light : and there was light .

Prov 18:21 Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

- God warns us that every word we speak must be carefully chosen before we speak

4. How can I increase my creativity?

A. Know the Source of creativity
Prov 8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence , and find out knowledge of witty inventions .

B. Ask the Creator for wisdom
Jam 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom , let him ask of God , that giveth to all [men] liberally , and upbraideth not ; and it shall be given him .

C. Ask in faith
Jam 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering . For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

D. Even cry to our Creator for Wisdom
Prov 3:3-6 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge , [and] liftest up thy voice for understanding ; If thou seekest her as silver , and searchest for her as [for] hid treasures ; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD , and find the knowledge of God . For the LORD giveth wisdom : out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding .

E. The ultimate source of wisdom is God's Word

Josh 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth ; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night , that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous , and then thou shalt have good success .

Prosperous: Good, profitable, progress to God and man

Success: Prudent, circumspect, insight

Notice that the result is neither selfish nor evil but ultimately glories God!