A woman who was new to a network that I’m a part of was chatting with me and shared that although she does advocacy work for the community, she gets involved with artist-focused activities as well. She attends this weekly workshop where the facilitator assigns a new art project each session. The one she most recently attended involved drawing someone in front of her without looking at the paper–only looking at the person. In the end, you can look at your paper to see how you did. She had her friends and family members try it out for themselves and she showed me a few of their drawings. She even had me do the art activity on the spot. It was so odd yet fun and intriguing at the same time. She said that it doesn’t really matter what the drawing looks like, but that I created something. This exercise makes me think about God. In Genesis 1:1a, it tells us off the bat, one of God’s amazing qualities–He creates. And it’s the very first thing that he did.
Genesis 1:1, In the beginning God created…
As creatures of God–beings that he created intentionally and in his own image (Genesis 1:27), we were meant to create too.
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them;…” Genesis 1:27a
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 1:15
“Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals.” Genesis 1:19
Quick note: Not everyone can easily identify with the fact that they have the ability to create. For some, it may be a bit of a struggle because they qualify this ability with talents like singing, dancing, drawing, etc. They may need to think outside of what’s typical to learn what creating looks like for them, according to their own talents and skills. Nevertheless, it doesn’t take away from the fact that each one of us does have the ability to create. So take heart if that’s a struggle you can relate with.
We’re studying out what we should know and do about the ability that God gave each and every human being to create.
-First Reflection-
Q: Why do you think God gave Adam the assignment to create names for the animals that He created? Genesis 1:19
Reflection: List 3 ways life would be different (and not different in a good way) if God hadn’t given man/woman the ability to create things.
GROWING and MATURING IN YOUR TALENTS and SKILLS
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10
Q: What are ways someone can prove they can be trusted with little?
Q: What might being trusted with much look like for you?
“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” Psalm 104:24
Q: What are the works that this scripture talks about? i.e. What are the creatures that the earth is full of?
Q: According to Psalm 104:24, what did God use to make you?
Reflection: Take a moment and reflect on how you are spoken of in this passage.
Q: What type of wisdom might you need in order to multiply or grow what you create?
THE TALENT STRUGGLE
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
If you struggle with what to do with your ability to create…
Q: In what ways might your perspective about your talents be conforming to the common or mainstream thoughts, ideologies, habits and/or ways of the world?
Q: In what ways could you renew your mind about your ability or calling to create?
THE TALENTED WHO PLEASE GOD
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24
Q: When you work, who comes to mind the most in terms of accountability? i.e. Who are you serving that you answer to?
Q: What is the inheritance that the passage is referring to?
Q: According to this passage, does working with all your heart in service to Jesus impact your relationship with Jesus? Why or why not?
Q: In what ways can you work at what’s on your plate with all your heart for the Lord?
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8
Q: What is one main truth about gifts (talents, skills, abilities), highlighted in this passage?
Q: What does “according to the grace given to each of us” mean?
Definition: Grace – the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.
Q: What do you think you’re good at doing?
Q: What do people most commonly compliment you on?
Q: What do you do well, better than most in your circle?
With the prominence of social media in today’s culture, comparison with others’ talents and what they’ve accomplished can cloud the mind and become mentally and emotionally unhealthy. If you’ve experienced or battled with comparing yourself to others…
Q: In what ways can you honor your own talents and skills while having a healthy appreciation for the talents of others?
Note: Gifts given by God, can also be considered a calling. For example, if one has a gift of writing, God calls that person to use that gift for his glory–to lift up his name and to build up his family. Therefore, that gift that may not have been seen as special before, has now become an opportunity of honor, to be used for God—a very special gift.
“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” 1 Timothy 4:14
Q: How are you using this gift to glorify God and build his empire (his kingdom)? If you aren’t just yet, what is that first step you can take this week to begin?
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” -Ephesians 2:10
Rise and Shine Bright.