4-Minute Sermons

CREATIVITY – A Four-Minute Sermon

Faith Committee, Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

 

Contributed by Clyde C. Miller
Senior Pastor (Retired), First Christian Assembly, Cincinnati, OH

February 6, 2002

Creativity

INTRODUCTION: BUT I’M JUST NOT CREATIVE

But I’m just not very creative!

Of course you are. After all, if you’re a human being (and if you’re reading this, you are!) then you are. The very Word of God Himself says you were made in His image or likeness. (Genesis 1:27) You’re like Him, –AND HE IS CREATIVE! He created you or you wouldn’t be here. The very word for you is “creature”, which means “anything created.”

The problem, if there is one, is that you’re either not in the mood, or you’re just not trying, or you are always comparing your creations unfavorably with those of others. Let’s dissect these barriers to your creativty – that is your “creative ability; artistic or intellectual inventiveness.” (Webster’s New World Dictionary definition).

PROBLEM: YOU’RE NOT IN THE MOOD

Then get into the mood. In what are you interested? Go to the library and check out a book on the subject. Visit a hobby or craft shop or show. Take a walk. Look around. Ask people for ideas. Even baseball’s premier hitters hit slumps, –but they don’t quit swinging

PROBLEM: YOU’RE JUST NOT TRYING.

Ever have your kindergartner bring home a turkey made from tracing his/her hand on a paper plate and adding a few lines of drawing? Can you trace you hand on a paper plate? Then you can create. Can you operate a microwave? Then you can serve a vast menu of “modern meals”. “But I didn’t create them”, you say. No, but the person who did has only created frozen “stuff” until you heat it up! Even in creation, you need others. God did. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth and the earth was without form and void…and the Spirit moved upon the face of the waters”. (Genesis 1:1-2). God and the Holy Spirit did it together. Maybe you’re just not trying. And what is the key to “trying”? One word, —start

PROBLEM: YOU’RE COMPARING YOUR CREATIONS UNFAVORABLY TO OTHERS. 

So often when we say we’re just not creative, we really mean we’re not as creative as “so and so”. Our creation looks like a crock compared with his or hers. So, our mood blackens and we decide to not even try. Those who don’t try are almost always those who don’t start. So start.

“But I tried and failed.” So did Thomas Edison, -hundreds of times before he finally created the electric light bulb. Aren’t you glad he didn’t quit?

CONCLUSION

If you have Christ in you, then the Creator lives inside of you! Pray for His help, then turn Him loose. Get started! You’ll be amazed what He can and will do –using your hands and head!

 

 

This material is published by the Faith Committee of the Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Reproduction and Adaptation is encouraged.