Jesus The Master of Creativity

GOD is the best visual artist that exists! He is the Creator of the whole universe! Through Jesus, everything that exists came into being. Think of a beautiful sunrise or sunset; the shades of color when you let your eye span the mountains and ridges, valleys and rivers in the late afternoon; the beauty of the detail of a snowflake and a raindrop; the wonder of what you can see just under a microscope. And what you can see in the night sky through a telescope!

“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.”
Albert Einstein

“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain.” (Ps. 104:1).

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” (Rom. 1:20).

Our Creativity Needs Christ

He focuses our creativity on doing good and making things beautiful. We were created in God’s image and thus possess the divine ability to create. Through this creative ability, we create inventions to solve huge problems, beautiful works of art, and wonderful music. Every human being is innovative and creative, but some devise evil plans to steal, rob, and murder, while others devise plans to make the world a better place.

It’s a matter of the heart.

“These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” (Prov. 6:16-18).

“Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Gen. 6: 5).

“And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. Then the Lord said in His heart, “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done.” (Gen. 8:21).

“…because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.“ (Rom. 1:21).

It is a matter of focus.

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Phil. 4: 8).

When we surrender our hearts to Jesus and choose to follow Him, He uses our imagination to think beautiful things with Him.
– Jan Oosthuizen

Evidence of Christian Creativity

In the first 100 years of the Nobel Prize’s existence, from 1901 to 2000, 65.4% of all Nobel Prize winners were Christians. And 21% were Jews! The following percentages indicate the times the Nobel Prize was awarded to Christians in different categories for: Chemistry 72.5%; Physics 65.3%; Medicine 62%, Economics 54% and 49.5% of all Literature Awards.

If you search Wikipedia for a list of Christians who have received awards in science and technology, you will find one very long list of outstanding people.

George Washington Carver: He often acknowledged that he was nothing without the Lord and that the Lord led him. He is called the “herbalist” and is known for creating peanut butter, cosmetics, paints, oils, marbles, plywood, and even the dye used in Crayola crayons.

Gary Starkweather, inventor of the laser printer, encourages believers to think like the Bible about their work. As an engineer and inventor, he has worked with some leading technology innovators: Apple, Microsoft and Xerox. He attributes his inventions’ success to God’s guidance and inspiration. “I believe that the creativity we possess exists to a large extent because the Creator puts it there,” says Starkweather. “God has placed in us as tool developers the ability to think new, and I think it should please Him when He sees that we use those abilities to create something completely new.”

Theologian and scholar William Tyndale completed the first English Bible translation from the original texts into an easier-to-understand language. The Catholic Church did not receive Tyndale’s Bible translation well—in fact, they accused him of heresy. Tyndale was committed to reforming the church and making the Word of God accessible to more people. Unfortunately, this meant he had to lose his life. To this day, his translation has influenced many of the English Bibles, which have shaped millions of Christian lives.

Award-winning chef Mary Hunter tells the New York Times that all her recipes are divinely inspired. “I do not have a cookbook,” she said. “God gives me my own recipes. Prayer is where I get ninety-nine per cent of my recipes. ” On ŉ day, Hunter says that God gave her an out-of-the-box idea: a marinating stick that works better than herbal injectors. The idea took time to be fully developed. It was first patented in 1994 and took almost two decades to hit stores. But it was worth the perseverance.

Stay-at-home mom Gail Pittman uses creativity and re-creation as a business venture. One day, she was looking for a creative outlet, so she played with ceramics and found joy in decorating pottery. She now has a company with over 110 employees who manufacture ceramics and household goods. Gail Pittman’s designs bring creative design and style to the table, creating the finest kitchenware through artwork. Her company places the industry before God in decision-making and includes weekly Bible studies and practices that serve the community.

Other well-known Christian scientists were Kepler, Galileo, Pascal, Newton, Morse, and Pasteur.

It is a totally misplaced, false accusation that Christianity is against creativity – on the contrary! True faith in God activates creativity. Believers are creative people! With new hope, faith and love, how can you not be creative?
Jan Oosthuizen

Jesus is the Master Creator of the World (John 1:1-4; Col. 1:15-16; Heb. 1:1-2). He tells stories to explain truth, to highlight and bring illumination. Jesus’ parables, which can never be forgotten, testify to originality and out-of-the-box creativity. This also applies to the way He performed miracles. He had no set recipe.

Each Miracle Was Different

He spits and makes mud to form new eyeballs for a man born blind. “When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay.” (John 9:6 / 1-34).

“And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers in his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue.” (Mark 7:33).

He “laid hands” on people (Luke 4:40; Mark 6: 5-6).

He commands them to do something that would be impossible as a result of the disease: “Take up your bed and walk!” (John 5: 8-9); “stretch out your hand!” (Mark 3: 1-6). The lepers had to show themselves to the priest (Luke 17: 11-19). “Wash your eyes in the pool of Siloam” (Mark 8: 22-25).

He speaks a word (John 4: 49-50).

He commands the spirit of sickness (Mark 9:25).

Jesus Did Not Concern Himself with traditional Norms, Rules and man-made Laws

He speaks to a Samaritan woman (John 4).
He touches lepers (Mark 1: 41-42).
He heals on the Sabbath (Mark 3: 1-6).
He touches a corpse (John 7: 11-17),
He raises Jairus’ daughter (Matt. 9:25).
He commands nature (Matt. 8:27).

Creativity Is:

To look at the world or your problems with new eyes.
To shift a paradigm.
To get new ideas.
To take risks.
To see a totally different side of an issue.
To be unusual.
To see humor in a situation.
To be flexible.
To be child-like: knowing nothing is impossible, to be curious and to ask questions.

Is Everybody Creative?

Everyone is creative—the rules, regulations, culture, and peer pressure do not stifle our creativity. To be a successful entrepreneur who enriches the lives of millions of people, you do not need to “re-invent the wheel”—you just have to think of a useful way to recreate, remix, re-combine, or connect two or more existing things.

Salt is the combination of two elements: sodium and chlorine. It takes an atom of each to make a molecule of salt. One of these atoms is a positive ion and the other a negative ion that causes them to work together to form salt. It may interest you to know that sodium is terribly toxic, and chlorine is too. But together, they become something the body needs and desires. They become something good. Bread and salt, therefore, speak of reconciliation, commitment, cooperation, partnerships, and unification.

The Lord created the earth and gave us 92 elements. Individually, each of these elements is useless. When we mix iron with carbon, we get steel. The inventive mixing and combining of these elements are the basis of new inventions that make life easier for us, such as aluminium, plastic, and stainless steel. Also, people sell more eggs and milk when making ice cream.

The Necessity of Practical Creativity

Cement is a very strong substance. Add sand and stone, and it gets even stronger. But even concrete crumbles under uneven pressure. This is because concrete is strong under pressure but weak under stress. Engineers learned to combine steel and concrete to make steel-reinforced-concrete. Steel is strong under stress but weak under compression. Concrete is the opposite. Combine them, and we get a material strong enough to hold a skyscraper upright but flexible enough to swing without breaking. Steel and concrete compensate for each other’s weakness.

Just as we mix-and-match elements to create new products, society is a network of different types of people. All life is interconnected. Everyone is involved in an inevitable network of interdependence, tied into a single garment of the fate of life.

Whatever affects us directly often affects others indirectly.
Jan Oosthuizen

Therefore, no intervention, program or solution is viable or sustainable without maintaining the network of relationships that binds us. We build a community through persistent liaison, contact, commitment, and collaboration. ^[1]

Stimulating True Creativity

The brain uses 20% of the body’s energy – it will, therefore, always try to save energy. This means it always chooses the path with the least resistance. Therefore, we must actively and deliberately focus on moving against this natural disposition by:

1. Try something new regularly. The well-known inventor Nathan Myhrvold has achieved success in various fields, including engineering, physics, energy, and food technology. Learn new aptitudes, hobbies, or skills that may be a solution to your work problem. He claims there is nothing original, just a remix of old things. We sometimes have to force ourselves to move outside of a framework, context, or industry from time to time so that we can see work with new eyes or use or plan it. Expose yourself, read widely, be curious, and ask questions.

This is likely why Jesus chose the vocation of craftsmanship over becoming a Pharisee, Rabbi, scribe or priest. However, he first examined the Word and the Scriptures (Luke 2: 41-52).

2. Breaking through boundaries. Find a healthy balance between which borders are non-negotiable and which are man-made. Jesus was brilliant in achieving exactly this balance between God’s eternal, unchanging laws and man’s temporary laws and traditions. Few people will follow you when you try to be extreme and radical. If you stay with the mainstream all the time, you lose the ability to be creative. Jesus was not concerned about any of these pressures and tension. His identity was anchored in His relationship with the Father and His mission at hand.

3. Be willing to make mistakes. Creative people must be willing to make mistakes: Jesus had no fear of man. “But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men.” (John 2:24); versus the Pharisees who did not openly confess their faith for fear of the people (John 12:42-43). Jesus did right and lived right and was, therefore, never afraid to come to light. “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” (John 3:21). Jesus was not afraid of or limited by His own family: “But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, “He is out of His mind.” (Mark 3:21). He also knew how to gather the right people, who believed in Him of those around Him (Matt. 12:48).

Elon Musk says that he is not afraid to open himself up to “rigorous self-analysis”, but then among the people who believe in him. He ignores those who only criticize him because they do not understand his vision.

We Cannot Afford Negativity.

Believers cannot afford to allow negative thoughts of unbelief and doubt to arise for a moment. We certainly see the realities, but immediately, we focus our minds on finding creative solutions. There have always been problems, famines, wars, persecutions, and hardships, but believers see opportunities and deliverance.

The Attitude of Creativity

“You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the earth.” (Ps. 104:30). The Holy Spirit is the creative force of God in our lives today.

The fruit of the Spirit is the attitude you need to be creative. We are most creative when we are most filled with the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Spirit are also supernatural, creative, and creative in nature (1 Cor. 12: 1-11). Three times, people filled with the Holy Spirit were considered drunk (Acts 2: 1-4; Eph. 5:18; Col. 3:16).

Through the Holy Spirit the Creator comes to dwell in you. It makes your life creative, always fresh and original, and creative. Jan Oosthuizen

How can one become more creative?

Teaching yourself to be more creative is a process that involves both cultivating the right mindset and adopting practices that encourage creative thinking. Creativity isn’t a mysterious gift reserved for the select few—it’s a skill that can be developed. Here’s how to foster and enhance creativity:

1. Adopt a Growth Mindset

Believe you can grow: Creativity is not a fixed trait. People who believe they can develop their creative potential are more likely to take risks and try new things. The brain is adaptable, and you can strengthen your ability to think creatively with practice.
Embrace challenges: View challenges as opportunities to stretch your thinking. Creativity often thrives in constraints and problem-solving situations.

2. Expose Yourself to Diverse Experiences

Learn new skills: Step outside your comfort zone and try something new—whether it’s learning a musical instrument, trying a new sport, or picking up a new craft. The more skills and knowledge you acquire, the more material your brain has to work with when generating creative ideas.
Travel and explore: New places, cultures, and environments provide fresh perspectives and ideas. You don’t have to go far—explore different areas in your city or try new foods and experiences.
Read widely: Exposing yourself to different genres, disciplines, and subjects expands your mental library of ideas. Read fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and even books outside your usual interests.

3. Practice Divergent Thinking

Brainstorm regularly: Set aside time to brainstorm without any judgment. Write down every idea that comes to mind, even if it seems unrealistic or silly. This is called divergent thinking—generating multiple ideas in response to a problem.
Challenge assumptions: When approaching a problem, question the basic assumptions. What would happen if you did the opposite of what is expected? Asking “why” or “what if” helps break habitual thought patterns and leads to creative solutions.

4. Create Regularly and Consistently

Daily practice: Creativity grows with use. Set aside time each day to create something—whether it’s writing, painting, problem-solving, or cooking. This could be a journal entry, a drawing, or a short poem. Consistent practice helps build creative “muscle memory.”
Quantity over quality: Focus on producing a lot of work, rather than worrying about whether it’s good. Creative breakthroughs often come after generating a large volume of ideas.

5. Engage in Play and Daydreaming

Allow yourself to play. Play is a fundamental part of creativity, whether through games or simply seeing the funny or humorous in something.
Daydream intentionally: Let your mind wander. Set aside time to think without a specific goal. Creative insights often emerge when the brain is relaxed and free to explore connections.

6. Work with Constraints

Set limitations: Ironically, creativity often thrives within constraints. Give yourself a set of limitations, such as a time limit or specific materials, and see how you can creatively work within those boundaries. These constraints force you to think more inventively.

7. Collaborate and Seek Feedback

Collaborate with others: Working with people from different backgrounds and perspectives opens up new ways of thinking. Others can provide insights that spark creative breakthroughs.
Ask for feedback: Constructive feedback helps refine ideas and offers new angles. Sharing your work and receiving input makes you more open to experimenting with new approaches.

8. Build a Creative Environment

Declutter and organize: A clean and organized workspace helps the mind focus. Surround yourself with objects or art that inspire you or give you energy.
Create a mood board: Collect images, colors, words, and ideas that resonate with you or inspire a certain feeling. Having these visual reminders can help you connect ideas in new ways.

9. Get Comfortable with Failure

Fail forward: Creativity involves risk, and sometimes ideas don’t work out. But failure is a powerful teacher. When something doesn’t go as planned, ask what you can learn from it and try again with that new knowledge.
Detach from perfectionism: If you wait for the perfect idea or solution, you’ll paralyze your creativity. Allow yourself to create messy, imperfect things—often, creativity is found in the process rather than the product.

10. Incorporate Rest and Reflection

Take breaks: Periods of rest and relaxation are crucial to creativity. Your brain needs downtime to synthesize information and make connections. Taking a walk, meditating, or even sleeping on a problem often results in new insights.
Reflect on your process: After completing a creative project, take time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what you might try next time. This reflection sharpens your creative approach over time.

11. Use Creative Prompts

Prompts and challenges: Use creative prompts to jump-start your thinking. For example, if you’re a writer, challenge yourself to write a short story using only 500 words or a specific theme. If you’re an artist, create something using only three colors or one material.
Constraints as prompts: Give yourself a restriction (e.g., using only certain words, tools, or materials) and see how your mind adapts to find creative solutions within those limits.

12. Mindfulness and Observation

Stay present and observant: Creativity often springs from carefully observing the world around you. Take time to notice details, patterns, and behaviours that might go unnoticed. Carry a notebook to jot down any interesting observations.
Mindfulness practices: Biblical meditation and contemplation can improve your ability to focus and clear your mind, opening space for new creative ideas to surface. Begin with forgiveness!

13. Nurture Curiosity

Ask questions constantly: Stay curious about the world. Ask questions about how things work, why people behave the way they do, or what the hidden connections between different ideas might be. Curiosity leads to discovery and innovation.
Explore different perspectives: Engage with people and ideas that challenge your worldview. Read books, listen to podcasts, or watch documentaries that present different ways of thinking or living. This broadens your understanding and stimulates creative thought.

Conclusion: Creativity is a Practice, Not a Gift

Creativity grows from consistent practice and exposure to new ideas, experiences, and challenges. By fostering curiosity, adopting a growth mindset, and creating regularly without fear of failure, you can train yourself to think more creatively. The more you engage with creative processes, the more natural and intuitive they become, leading to deeper insights and innovative ideas.

^[1] Lapin, D. (2014). Business Secrets from the Bible. Hoboken: Wiley.

Jesus The Master of Creativity

Our Creativity Needs Christ

Evidence of Christian Creativity