We create because we were first created". This simple thought, first became known to me in Dr. Milliner 's Art Survey class. I had somehow never considered the inherent beauty in the blessing of being able to create. This concept, that allowed me to greater appreciate visual art, applies similarly to human creation in all of its forms. Initially it is perplexing to think that abstract concepts such as love, or worship can be so aptly represented in the creations of finite human beings, but the works of artists prove that not only is it possible, but beautiful. This brings us to the questions of how can we do this and why? I believe that it is only through divine interference that humans are able to create. Those that do choose to create, in
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In fact, history claims that there once was a time before humankind used tools to facilitate our life. While this is not the case today, it shows that our ability to create is a gift, not a necessity for existence. In today 's world we often undervalue the value of our creativity. Many people believe that they are incapable of creativity if they do not posses some certain innate aptitude for writing poems or painting pictures, but God made all humans in his image; he made us with creativity. In our readings for class we define creativity as: "the ability to imagine something... and then execute it..." ("God 's Creation" 13). By this definition there is hardly an action that we perform that excludes our human creativity. A more functional understanding of this gift comes from John Piper with his beautiful declaration: "If you are God, your work is to create out of nothing. If you are not God, but like God — that is, if you are human — your work is to take what God has made and shape it and use it to make him look great" (Piper 139). …show more content…
After all, we are creatures of the fall and therefore even our immaculately written praises will be products of our human brokenness. Furthermore, can a creation be pleasing to God and created by someone who held no belief in God? Creativity, while a God given blessing, is not exclusive to those who profess faith in our savior. My belief in this area is neatly summarized by the thought: "there is a profound difference between a wicked heart and wicked art" ("God 's Creation" 19). The key component to worship is the intent behind the creation, not the appearance of the creation itself. God is content when we intentionally choose to direct our attention towards him in a loving way. As David commanded Solomon: "Serve Him [God] with a whole heart and a will mind; for the lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek him, He will let you find Him" (1 Chronicles 28:9). This further supports that if our actions are devoted to the Lord, he will be pleased. In verses like Psalms 100:1-2, we see that the key to worship is joy and desire for the Lord, "Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing." While it is undoubtedly more pleasing to hear melodic singing, God is pleased with whatever worship is directed to him in
In fact, history claims that there once was a time before humankind used tools to facilitate our life. While this is not the case today, it shows that our ability to create is a gift, not a necessity for existence. In today 's world we often undervalue the value of our creativity. Many people believe that they are incapable of creativity if they do not posses some certain innate aptitude for writing poems or painting pictures, but God made all humans in his image; he made us with creativity. In our readings for class we define creativity as: "the ability to imagine something... and then execute it..." ("God 's Creation" 13). By this definition there is hardly an action that we perform that excludes our human creativity. A more functional understanding of this gift comes from John Piper with his beautiful declaration: "If you are God, your work is to create out of nothing. If you are not God, but like God — that is, if you are human — your work is to take what God has made and shape it and use it to make him look great" (Piper 139). …show more content…
After all, we are creatures of the fall and therefore even our immaculately written praises will be products of our human brokenness. Furthermore, can a creation be pleasing to God and created by someone who held no belief in God? Creativity, while a God given blessing, is not exclusive to those who profess faith in our savior. My belief in this area is neatly summarized by the thought: "there is a profound difference between a wicked heart and wicked art" ("God 's Creation" 19). The key component to worship is the intent behind the creation, not the appearance of the creation itself. God is content when we intentionally choose to direct our attention towards him in a loving way. As David commanded Solomon: "Serve Him [God] with a whole heart and a will mind; for the lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek him, He will let you find Him" (1 Chronicles 28:9). This further supports that if our actions are devoted to the Lord, he will be pleased. In verses like Psalms 100:1-2, we see that the key to worship is joy and desire for the Lord, "Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing." While it is undoubtedly more pleasing to hear melodic singing, God is pleased with whatever worship is directed to him in