Created to Create, Part 1
By Visual Faith® Coach Valerie Matyas for the 2022 Creative Haven Retreat
In the beginning God created the heavens and earth.
Genesis 1:1 (ESV)
Human beings were created to create. We are created in the image of God, the ultimate Creator, who creatively created us. We may be creative problem solvers, creative thinkers, creative designers—the list could go on—but we are all creative, in one way or another.
I have noticed, over time, that the things we humans create are often imitations or reflections of the beauty in God’s creation. Take glitter for example: whether you love it or abhor it, glitter ultimately reminds us of sparkling sunlight dancing on water, or the sun’s brilliant reflection bouncing off crisp, clean snow.
During an ice storm earlier this year I noticed sunlight reflecting gorgeous rainbows off the ice-encircled twigs of a tree. The effect immediately reminded me of a crystal chandelier. I couldn’t help but wonder if the first chandelier (and every one created ever since) was inspired to imitate the effect of the sun on ice.
A room of romantic candlelight or a string of soft white Christmas lights reminds us of stars in a darkened sky. Perfume and scented candles point us back to God’s created flora. Fireworks are imitators of the sparks released from a campfire or the explosion of a volcanic eruption.
What we humans find beautiful is often a reflection of God’s artwork in creation itself; and when we create, we imitate and reflect both God’s creative nature and the nature God created.
Human beings were created to create, because we were created to reflect God to the creation. Whenever you do your uniquely creative thing, you are participating in God’s creative work. You were made to reflect beauty.
Reflection Question
In her devotion, Valerie mentioned glitter, chandeliers, candlelight, perfume, and fireworks as items of beauty that reflect God’s creation. Can you think of other examples of beautiful things that are ultimately a reflection of God’s creation?
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for allowing us the opportunity to reflect Your amazing creation back to You. Thank you for creating us to be creative.
Thank you for the skills, abilities, and talents you have granted us. Continue to uphold, sustain, and nourish our love for being creative. Let it all be to Your Glory.
In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
