I have this theory that God gifted creative people with curiosity.
Curiosity appears to energize creativity. If I am doodling, I want to see if I can come close to drawing an object that looks somewhat accurate. I may need to add or delete elements but I might eventually stumble into something that resembles reality. Curiosity helps me try new ways of achieving the desired result.
I have seen good friends who create many different things with a combination of experience and giftedness. Some people can work wonders with wood. Others can repair engines rightly. Still others can whip up their favorite homemade food without a recipe. My guess is that their creativity was originally fueled by curiosity in seeking better methods or end products.
Speaking of creativity, my daughter and I had the privilege of viewing works by Italian and European artists in the Uffizi Gallery of Florence, Italy, last October. These masters created during the Renaissance period. You may be familiar with names like Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Caravaggio (even if you are not familiar, it is fun to say their names. Go ahead, try it!).
Their creativity is off the charts. Grouped according to era and geography, the progression of the Gallery is designed to enrich everyone’s understanding of art history. Detecting when new elements were introduced and accepted is a fun way to see how art developed. I suspect that these great artists were driven by their curiosity to try new approaches in media and method.
When I see such beautiful creativity of men and women, my thoughts are directed to think of our Creator. And the fact that He made us in His image!
male and female He created them.
Creativity is one of the distinguishing marks of being made in God’s image. We have the capacity to create things and impart value to them. Our creations are not spoken into being (like our Lord spoke this universe into being) but our creations are unique and reflect the creativity of our God. We are creative because we are made in His image.
My theory of creativity does not hold water with the living God. He does not need to be curious. He knows everything, right? I suspect He slipped curiosity into our psyche in order to power the creativity which He bestowed upon us.
If it has been a while since you created anything, doodle on the back of an envelope, build something in your yard, or finish that DIY project you started. As you do, give thanks that the God of the universe would deem humans worthy enough to bear His image. And give us such fun in being curious about what we create.
As you pray through this list, give thought to the people for whom you are praying. Note the ways in which they express creativity in their lives and ministries.
Love and blessings,
Dave