Created To Be Creative (part 1)

God is closely connected to the heart of the artist. For it was when there was nothing on the canvas of the universe, that He began to see those things that are, that were not yet visible. The very mode that we, His creation, go through in order to create something, was His own ability that He built into all of His creation.

Take a look at the volume of variety in bugs, flowers, animals and how God’s own creative process was apparently unending. Even today we are still discovering new species.

I am beginning to feel compassion for those who do not create nor are comfortable being unique but rather conform to society’s acceptable norms. These are those that gave up God’s creative ability within them to stop growing freely and have rather succumbed to a variety of societal pressures that have resulted in a contrived life much like a bonsai tree. These societal pressures have come though religion, peers, parental expectations… the list goes on and is incalculable based not only on the validity of those pressures, but also the interpretation of each individual and their response to those pressures.

My point is that all are created in His likeness, and all have been gifted  with the ability to create and pursue freedom in Christ. We are a unique creation in Christ Jesus. Proper administration of doctrine should build, equip, and enable us to grow freely into who God has intended us to be. It is when it imposes shape that deforms that unique creation– God’s intention, that men have overstepped their bounds in administering the Word of God and mis-used their power as leadership. In the body of Christ, It is only by healthy submission to spiritual leadership that men have been shapable both positively and negatively.

If an artist is connected to their creativity, than as they submit to the deforming guidelines of men, they develop a deep sense of loss, because they can still hear and see God’s image of them and framework for their lives through His ability working through them. The Christian who has accepted their creative role finds themselves at an important decision. This is a fork in the road… a moment of paradigm shift. Should they step out in faith to pursue God’s plan or should they buckle and conform to the substandard, evidenced in those in the Church. Some find the only way into creativity is to step into rebellion from the body of Christ. Rebellion in all of it’s carnality will propel the artist, like a multi-stage rocket leaving earth’s atmosphere, to be freed from the gravity that shuts most of God’s children down to conform and surrender their futures.

When an artist chooses to embrace rebellion, all manner of sin and debauchery is made available to partner with. The call of God to lead/create is irrevocable, so whatever they do in stepping out in belief in who they are, still has influence. But often this influence is not neutral, but fueled by sensation seeking newsworthiness and marketable differentiation, it is often in polarity to both Biblical and the present Church’s cultural interpretation of morality. (I only bring up this point, because I believe each generation can only can see in part, and does their best by the prompting of the Holy Spirit to interpret and implement the Word of God.) So the artist who “leaves the flock”, will more often than not find a crowd of witnesses of others who have also left their doctrine and morals behind to pursue the freedoms found in rebellion. There is little accountability for these artists because few have been willing to venture out of the walls of safety of Church subculture to be the family of God. This is the flock that exists, supports, and is their direct connection to the Vine, providing everything needed for health and wholeness in Christ Jesus.

The other option for the God-fearing artist is to go through a long drawn out process of self doubt. Most do not find their way out of this mire, the fog is most thick here. If they do not hear a voice ahead of them leading the way, they will either conform and give up God’s plan, or dive headlong into rebellion. But excited to say that the family of God does exist beyond the walls of the church sub-culture and conformist crowd.

…to be continued.

Redeem (some music I’m working on right now…)

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