Rediscover the Creator in Youናሙና

Reflection:

The creative work of God in and through our lives described in Isaiah 61 will spark new opportunities for connecting with others: those close to us now, and potentially those from outside our current communities. This aligns with the commmission shared by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20: "to make disciples of all nations," and in doing so, to invite people into experiences of the joy, peace, and righteousness in the Holy Spirit that are central to the Kingdom of God. The work of the Spirit in our lives empowers us to and others to "rebuild walls," and this often ends up involving others. Some may be collaborators and partners, while others may be those who seek to serve your vision. Human beings are drawn to beauty, wonder, and excellence; don't be surprised if your faithful "yes" to the Lord opens new doors of relational connection, even with those who seem like strangers today.

But this greater opportunity for influence with others makes it extra important that we allow God to prepare us for how we show up in these relationships. As we co-create with the Spirit of God, there can be tastes of the excellence and beauty of Heaven in our art, businesses, nonprofit endeavors, and other outflows. But will others experience Christ in you, the nature of Jesus and the fruit of the Spirit, via your interactions? Are you experiencing more peace, joy, self-control, and intimacy with God over time that will help you steward these relationships and serve those drawn to you? Are you on a course to steward both the “what” and the “how” of your creative process?

We can all too easily put the former before the latter and resort to fear, impatience, anger, and control as stress or lack rises. If we’re not careful, we can lessen the true Kingdom fruitfulness of what we’re creating. Too often, we as Christians have done a disservice when we create the ministry, the business, or the art inspired by God but don't operate with the love, patience, joy, gentleness, and self-control that evidences the Holy Spirit in our lives.

These words are spoken with hope and love, not condemnation. None of us are perfect. There is grace for all of us, and great learning can comes from imperfect moments. Sometimes the delays we experience between the vision and the fuller impact we desire are a gift for preparation. Don’t be discouraged if the crowds haven’t arrived yet. Remember: this is not the primary “why” for what you’re creating. Ask the Lord to continue to strengthen and fuel you for today, and to prepare and refine you for what is to come. Isaiah 61:5 refers to the blessings and service that others will bring, which makes our character for stewardship so important. There is always an opportunity to discern how to love and serve those around us well, even if they are in a position to serve what we're stewarding. As you co-labor and create with others on seemingly practical items, whether a product for your business, tree clearing services in a neighborhood, a fashion show, or a new teaching curriculum, others will be exposed to the Kingdom of God within you.

Activation:

Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit - meaning qualities that are evident when the Holy Spirit is leading in our lives. Which one of these do you want to intentionally strengthen in this season? Are there groups or individuals in your life that specifically need to be recipients of this quality? These are not moral virtues that we can strive for or earn in our own performance, but the natural fruit that grows when we live prioritizing our relationship with God in ways that allow His healing virtue and love to refresh our hearts and reform us.

Pray a short prayer with me, inserting the specific fruit of the Spirit and the audience that resonates: “Jesus, I’m sorry for where I’ve fallen short in demonstrating ________ to ________. I ask that your Spirit would come and fill me afresh with ________. Thank you for meeting my needs and bringing your peace to ________. Help me to see if there is deeper healing needed or practical changes I can make in how I approach You or my priorities so that I can experience and enjoy more _____________.” Then, take a couple moments to brainstorm a practical step you can take grow in this area, whether it's carving out more devotional time, sharing with a trusted friend, or accessing resources that help on a practical level.