Be Fruitful: How To Use Your God-Given Creativity
Self-doubt, comparison, and lack of direction leave us feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled. We often find ourselves comparing our worth to others’ achievements and opinions, which only adds to the noise and confusion in our lives. We search for joy but often come up empty because we’re looking in the wrong places. True joy comes from understanding and pursuing your purpose—what God has specifically called you to do. This purpose is rooted in the power He placed inside of you. Many of us go through life unaware of God’s purpose for us or unsure how to achieve it. The secret to finding and fulfilling your purpose lies in tapping into the creativity God planted within you. By nurturing this creativity, you can discover fulfillment and live out the unique plans He has for your life.
God As The Ultimate Creator
Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” The first thing God tells us about Himself is that He’s a creator. It’s in His nature to create. Genesis 1:26 states, “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…’” The first thing God wanted you to know about yourself is that you are made in His image and likeness—implying that you have the same creative power He has.
You are unique in the way God created you. When God wanted plants and animals, He spoke to the ground (Genesis 1:11-12, 24-25). When God wanted stars, He spoke to the sky (Genesis 1:14-15). When God wanted fish, He spoke to the waters (Genesis 1:20). When God wanted humans, He spoke to Himself (Genesis 1:26-27). God, the ultimate creator, took His creativity and placed it inside of you when He made you.
The Power of God’s Word
As powerful as God is, He puts His Word above His name (Psalm 138:2), illustrating its magnitude in the universe. John 1:1 mirrors Genesis 1:1, signifying the impact of God’s Word in relation to His creative ability: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” So, in the beginning, we see that God created, and His Word was present and a part of Him.
This connection between God’s Word and His creative power emphasizes that His Word is not just a tool for communication but the very essence of His authority and ability to create. Hebrews 11:3 further underscores this, stating, “By faith, we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” This shows that God’s Word has the power to bring forth life and reality from nothing, making it fundamental to all creation and existence.
The Impact of God’s Word
Psalm 119:105 highlights how God’s Word guides us: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” This illumination helps us navigate our creative journeys, providing the clarity and insight needed to bring our ideas to life. Jesus underscores the nourishing power of God’s Word in Matthew 4:4: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Just as food fuels our bodies, God’s Word fuels our spirits, giving us the inspiration and strength to pursue our creative endeavors. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 emphasizes the instructive role of Scripture: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Through teaching and training, God’s Word equips us with the skills and wisdom necessary to excel in all of our pursuits. The impact of God’s Word is evident in how it nurtures our creativity, guides our artistic expressions, and empowers us to create works that reflect His glory and purpose.
How Does God Want Us To Create?
Genesis 1:28: And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Imagine a thriving and flourishing garden where the soil is rich and fertile, ready to bring forth fruit. Throughout the Bible God describes us as soil and His Word is the seed (Matthew 13, Mark 4:20, Luke 8:15). Just as soil needs water to nourish and grow plants, to fulfill His command of being fruitful, we need God’s Word to nourish our spirits and help us grow into the people He designed us to be.
Isaiah 55:10-11 shows us this process: “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Just as rain waters the earth, God’s Word nourishes our hearts, making them fertile and capable of producing good fruit.
We achieve this by spending time reading, reflecting on, and meditating on God’s Word. When we do this, we allow His Word to take root in our hearts, guiding our thoughts and actions. Internalizing God’s Word helps us fulfill our purpose. John later reveals that “God’s Word” is actually Jesus: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). In John 15:5, Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” This tells us that our ability to produce fruit—whether it be creativity or any other good work—comes from staying connected to Him through His Word.
The fruit we produce is evidence of God’s Word working in us. It’s the creativity that blossoms in our lives, the purpose that drives us, and the positive impact we have on the world around us. Just as a well-watered garden yields abundant produce, a heart well-nourished by God’s Word brings forth the best in us, fulfilling His purpose for our lives.
Using Your Creativity
1. Plan to Engage with God’s Word Daily
Start your day with a refreshing dose of inspiration directly from God’s Word. This daily engagement is crucial to embracing the creativity He has placed within you. Begin by setting aside time each morning to read and meditate on Scripture. Choose a quiet, comfortable place and start with short, manageable passages. Consider devotionals or specific passages that speak directly to where you are currently experiencing in life. God’s Word will guide you and lead you directly to your calling.
2. Cultivate Your Unique Gifts
God did not give one person all of His creativity, instead, He gave every person some of His creativity. Each of us has been blessed with unique talents and skills. Identifying and developing these gifts is a vital step in embracing God’s creative power. Reflect on what activities bring you joy and fulfillment. Whether it’s painting, writing, cooking, music, or problem-solving, these forms of creativity can glorify God. When you take the time to discover your God-given talents, you tap into the abundance of potential that is within you to create.
3. Overcome Distractions and Negative Influences
In our busy lives, there are many things that can easily pull us away from God’s Word. Overcoming these challenges requires intentional strategies. Consider setting specific times for Bible study and turning off electronic devices to maintain focus. Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages and holds you accountable in your spiritual journey. This community can provide the strength and encouragement needed to stay on track.
4. Take Action
Finally, put your creativity into action. Start by setting small, achievable goals that allow you to use your gifts. Maybe it’s writing a short devotional, creating a piece of art, or volunteering your skills in your community. Maybe it’s starting a business that solves a problem many people in your community struggle with. Or maybe it’s using your talents to support members in your family.
Taking the first step might feel overwhelming and uncomfortable, but remember that even small actions can have a significant impact. Consider breaking down your larger goals into manageable tasks. For instance, if you have a passion for writing, commit to writing a paragraph each day. If you’re an artist, set aside time each week to work on a new project. If you have a knack for cooking, start by sharing your culinary creations with friends and family before expanding to a larger audience.
By setting realistic goals and steadily working towards them, you’ll see your creativity flourish. Each step you take not only brings you closer to fulfilling your purpose but also glorifies God by using the unique gifts He has given you. So, embrace your talents, put them to work, and watch how they transform your life and the lives of those around you.
