Monday Memo 1219: Creativity is Not Optional
At the heart of Scripture is the truth that God is a Creator—and because you are made in His image, you too are a creative, purposeful being. Genesis 1:27 tells us, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” God gave Adam and Eve a mandate: "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground” (Genesis 1:28).
This wasn’t merely about survival; it was about stewardship and creativity. Humanity was called to cultivate, to innovate, to bring order, and to extend God’s kingdom across the earth. Purpose and creativity were never optional extras—they were part of what it meant to be human in God’s image.
When sin entered the world, however, creative purpose became distorted. Instead of reflecting God’s glory, people began pursuing their own agendas. Romans 1:25 explains that humanity “exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.” Sin did not erase purpose or creativity—it redirected them away from God. The result has been misuse: creativity devoted to idolatry, ambition turned to pride, and purpose hijacked for selfish ends.
This is where the gospel brings good news. Paul writes in Colossians 1:19-20, “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Notice that phrase: all things. That includes your purpose, gifts, work, creativity, and even your imagination. Christ came not only to forgive sin but to realign every part of life with God’s original design. Years ago, I had to stop saying I wasn’t creative; I came to accept that I am a creative juggernaut. I have to work to not be creative—and so do you.
Through Jesus, your purpose is redeemed, creativity is cleansed, and purpose work becomes worship. Even the most ordinary aspects of life take on eternal significance when you submit them to Him. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This means your purpose is not just about spiritual activities like prayer or Bible reading, though those are vital. It includes your job, your relationships, your hobbies, your service, and your creativity. Everything belongs to Him. Everything is reconciled through and to Him. And everything can glorify Him when it is surrendered to His will.
Ultimately, spiritual growth is about more than self-improvement—it’s about becoming more like Christ, who perfectly lived His purpose. Jesus declared in John 17:4, “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” That is the model for you to follow: to grow into the person God designed you to be, and to finish the good works He prepared for you to do. And those are not just any works, but the ones that only your mix of gifts, personality, and insight can produce.
Reflection Questions
- How does understanding that Christ reconciles all things (including creativity and purpose) expand or change your view of what God saved you to do?
- What do you think your unique creative purpose is?
- Where do you see your creativity being used for God’s glory, and where might it still need to be reconciled to Him?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for reconciling me to God through Your blood on the cross. I confess that too often I have used my creativity and purpose for myself. Today, I surrender every gift, every idea, every plan back to You. Redeem my purpose. Sanctify my creativity. Let everything I do bring glory to the Father, just as You glorified Him by finishing the work He gave You. Amen.
Application
This week, read Colossians 1:15-23 and reflect on how Christ reconciles “all things.” Then take time to write down three areas of your life where your creativity shows up—at work, in your home, or in hobbies. Prayerfully ask: Are these areas aligned with God’s glory? How can they be more fully surrendered to Him?