Created to Create

Nice post Al This, to me, kind of reflects one of the things at the heart of worship central - bringing our own, individual, creative offerings of worship to God. It's like the parable of the talents - we should use the gift of creativity and turn it back to the praise of God. What better use could there be for it?

This is so true, and we are working very hard at our church to express and explore artistry in many forms. I believe the church must be a safe place for artists to grow in their gifting and in their relationship with Jesus. Sometimes religious attitudes, the "We can't do that, this is a church; it's too out of the box; etc" attempts to get in the way. But I think the church shouldn't be afraid of letting artists loose to create things that express what God is saying to His Bride. It might get a little messy at times, but the messiness shouldn't be a set back, it should be an opportunity to shepherd and lead in a Christlike way! I also think the Church has an opportunity to teach and exemplify how the arts are not this soft and feminine sort of expression! I've noticed there are so many homosexual men in the world who are designers, dancers, choreographers, color experts, etc. And I wonder if it's because they've listened to a lie that the arts are soft, feminine, sensitive, and girly and so to express artistry you must be such a way. I think if we can let go of the mindset that the arts are feminine-sided, it might release more men to be secure in their expression and their masculinity. I don't know, it's just a notion I've been pondering over for a year or so. Jessica

This is a powerful truth. Creativity is essential to life. It belongs to everyone, equally necessary for scientific and business advancement as it is for what we often consider to be conventional art forms. Art is at the heart of success. It is a consciousness that allows us to achieve. Without art life is a friction leading to standstill. Art will animate our lives. As Christians, this includes our praise of God. I particularly like the thought of adorning our lives with creativity without compartmentalization. This is a tough one for me. Secular and spiritual, this is a dynamic we need for life - for a dynamic life. When creativity and artistic thinking are left to the side, we suffocate. This is an encouraging post Al. Although completely drained and shattered after a long day, I already feel a spark of inspiration in my spirit because of this thought. Living this as a Christian is enabling God's Glory to shine through us - liberating our lives. This is a powerful truth.

Hi Al, Great thoughts ! Worthwhile checking David Ruis new album "When Justice Shines". Artists, sculptors, dancers, painters... at work simultaneously while worhsipping at The Loft. Creativity is intrinsic to worship. Jied.