Psalm 139:13, Genesis 1:1 & 27, Psalm 8:3, Ephesians 2:10, Mark 10:27, Luke 18:27

Steve Gambill encourages us to make creativity a habit in 2013

If you have ever ordered coffee at Starbucks or Costa then you know how generically identical your coffee looks and tastes regardless of what city you are in; but the other day when I ordered my usual Venti Americano with no room, something I have done hundreds of times in different places on my travels, I had a uniquely different experience. The outside of my cup had this crazy animated drawing with a message on it.

This coffee shop was out of the way and almost hidden at one end of a supermarket, somewhere deep in the mid-west of America. It was really just a few wooden chairs and tables, with two staff behind a long counter. Yet, the humility of the store did not hinder the creativity of this unknown staff person. Perhaps, while the other staff members took a break, this one person lingered a moment and expressed their talent by drawing on a cup. Perhaps, the barrister was an artist working at Starbucks to help ends meet; or perhaps it was just a doodle to help pass the time of day. Whatever their original intent, that cup had now become my coffee and I found myself fascinated by the creativity displayed on my cup.

Whoever the creative designer of the cup was, it reminded me that every creation has a creator. To think this cup somehow came into being by chance is ridiculous. To think that the various paper components of plastic and ink somehow spontaneously designed themselves into the cup I now held would be ludicrous. Just like that cup, the earth and everything & everyone in it, points to a creator. Although I didn't know who the cup-creator was, the cup in my hand was proof that they existed. That cup was caused and therefore must have had a creator. Creation itself points to a creator God who is the great cause. Without him nothing would exist. My point is this: God the creator caused you. He created your inmost being and knit you together in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13).

The Bible teaches in the first chapter of Genesis, that God is a creative God.

'God created the heavens and the earth.' Genesis 1:1.

In other words at the beginning of it all we find God creating. Creating is the very nature of God. It is the essence of his nature. Therefore, because God created you in his image (Genesis 1:27), he has placed within every individual the innate desire to create; whether it is music, writing, literature, architecture, public speaking, planning a youth event, or creating art. The ability and desire to create makes you uniquely human.

To be creative is to bring something into existence; to build, edify, make, construct or to cause. Creating was the very first thing that the Bible teaches that God was doing and when you create you are exercising a God-given ability. Yet as a leader, the responsibilities and demand of life can at times leave you bereft of the passion and energy to create. Tiredness and the sheer amount of work often mean that your best creativity never sees the light of day. Yet, young people respond incredibly well to creativity; so the question is, how do you release creativity?

I believe we can enhance and release creativity by creating the 'Habit of Creativity'. A habit is simply repeating behaviour until it becomes a pattern. We must learn how to create creativity until it becomes a habit.

How does that happen? Let's get practical.

Firstly, carve out some focused time in a place that will inspire you on a regular basis to create. It should be a peaceful, calm environment and at a time when you are mentally and physically alert and active. Secondly, allow God to inspire you. Think about his goodness, his grace and his great love for you. Finally be fully prepared to be creative. If you create with computers, then have computers charged up, fully updated and ready to go. If you're an artist, have all the tools of creativity at your disposal. If you're preparing sermons, have a system to record what you prepare. If you are planning meetings into the next six months, have diaries to hand and a clear purpose in mind. Whenever you approach that creative time, expect to have an outstanding session; but, even if in a creative session not much seems to be happening, remind yourself that you will be back at it tomorrow.

At this point, I must issue a caveat to say that a person cannot wait to feel inspired before they start creating; rather, start creating and eventually the feelings will flow. It may take a few minutes or at times even longer to kick in, but eventually a flow will come.

When I studied and performed at the music conservatory, there were no classes allowed to be scheduled until 1pm so that the best time of every musician would be spent practicing creativity. Every morning there was a cacophony of noise in every hallway, practice room and on some days there would even be opera singers practicing in the toilets, because they preferred the resonant acoustics. Every day at the conservatory seemed productive because of the hours spent in creativity.

I wonder what the growth of our lives, churches and ministries would be like if we spent focused time every day in creative work?

If creativity is not yet a habit, make it so. Make it a habit to regularly connect to God, who is the ultimate source of creativity. He never runs out of ideas, energy or the resources needed to achieve them.

'When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you set in place.' Psalm 8:3.

God's creativity is so vast that it is incomprehensible. It is like one trying to drink an ocean one teaspoon at a time. There will always be more of him to explore and discover.

Created to Create

Ephesians 2:10 states that, 'We are Gods workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do'.

You were created to do good works. That means that God created you to create. When God created the world, the universe and everything we know in creation, it was no small thing. Yet, often in our leadership we can think into a lack trap of small thinking, little planning and of not praying the 'impossible prayers'. Jesus taught his disciples that with God all things are possible, (Mark 10:27, Luke 18:27). What are you aiming to create that some may think is impossible?

What big plans are you planning and praying about for 2013? Do these plans reflect the glory of God? Are your God-given plans so magnificent that they will capture the imagination and inspire the creativity of those you work with? There is something about believing and expecting for the seemingly impossible that enhances creativity.

As I bring this to a close, I want to challenge you to create something fresh and new today. It can be a conversation, writing, music or a cake. Unleashing creativity will make your day memorable and help influence someone else's like this cup-creator did for me that day. Create the habit of creativity.

Create all you can, as much as you can, when you can and as often as you can. Your leadership productivity will increase and you will live a happier more fulfilled life. I don't know the staff persons name that made this standout coffee for me, but there was creativity in that cup.