FIRSTنموونە

The Unnamed Song

By Thomas Miller

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead. Romans 1:20

It’s always fun being creative. Well, almost always.

I hate/love the creative process. Sometimes, I feel my creative efforts come together; other times, I’m afraid they come across as clumsy and presumptuous.

I remember the first worship song I wrote at Gateway Church back in the summer of 2002. It had been a few years since I had written a song. Gateway was young and exploding, and all of my extra energies — creative and otherwise — were devoted to helping build the church and expand God’s kingdom. Finally, I decided to carve out some good quality time to craft a song that spoke of my amazement of God’s love. I wrote the song — which will remain unnamed — and introduced it to the congregation in worship. You know what? It flopped! The meter was all over the place, the words were hard to sing, and on top of it all, it was boring. Yes, there were cobwebs on my creativity.

Have you ever done something über-creative, only to discover that your creativity:

1. Was misunderstood?
2. Wasn’t widely received?
3. Was treated as common?
4. Wasn’t that good?

I’ve been there … a lot.

Have you ever wondered if your creativity will ever be “good enough”? Have you ever been hesitant or even afraid of doing anything creative because you don’t think you have what it takes? Have you stopped being creative because you’re afraid of failure or you fear what others will think?

One of the greatest things about being a Christian is that we are indelibly linked to the ultimate Creative Genius. As you begin to read the Bible, it doesn’t take more than five words to discover that God is a creative mastermind: “In the beginning God created ….” And seeing that God created us in His own likeness (Genesis 1:27) and now lives in us (John 17:23), we’re given an inherent supernatural creative ability that comes from God. Not only are you born with this creative ability, but you also have the Master Creator living in you!

God started Adam’s creative juices flowing when He had him name all the animals. God created the animals; Adam named them. Thus, God invited Adam into the creative process. “He brought [the animals] to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name” (Genesis 2:19, NIV). Did you notice what happened when Adam used his creativity to name each animal? Look at it again. “ … Whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.” Talk about some major validation from God! It was as if God was saying, “You want to call that animal a ‘giraffe?’ Great. ‘Giraffe’ it is.” Notice the progression?

1. God creates Adam with creative ability.
2. God invites Adam into the creative process.
3. Adam exercises his creativity.
4. God validates Adam’s creativity.

So why should we be creative? What’s the point?

Romans 1:20 says that God’s “invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead.” When we’re creative, we allow the Lord to show His power, His splendor, His glory, and His personality through the things that we make. By getting out of the rut of the same-ol’, same-ol’ and allowing God to use us in new and creative ways, His power can break through our everyday lives and He can display His greatness in fresh ways.

Do you have a business decision to make where you could use some creative energy? Do you have a desire to show God’s creativity in the arts? Do you want to convey a message in a new and engaging way? Do you need a solution to a relational, personal, or managerial situation? Whoever you are and whatever it is, God can shine through you. He has created you with a creative ability and has invited you into the creative process. When you exercise your God-given creativity, He validates your creativity by showing His glory!

I still love writing songs. Although some songs “work” and some songs don’t, that’s okay. I’ve learned that through it all God loves it when I exercise my creativity and He loves to show me more of Himself through the creative process … even on the unnamed songs.

When we observe how creativity flows directly from the character of God, we are compelled to mimic God’s creative character in our own lives.

~ Ed Young

Memory Verse

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15–16 (NASB)