Iam a person who adores a good obsession. I love being sort of endlessly fascinated by something new, whether it’s a play or a recipe or a new brand of crackers. And really, I don’t fixate on it as much as I just enjoy the fire out of it.
Regardless of what you call it, though, one of my current “obsessions” is a Netflix series called Chef’s Table. Each episode features a different chef and examines how that chef’s background affects his or her philosophy about food and cooking and the whole dining experience. Viewers learn what inspires and drives the creativity behind the cuisine. At the end of each episode, we see a montage of the chef’s signature dishes, all stunningly prepared and plated. And because we’ve been told the stories behind them—not to mention that we’ve gained some understanding about the chef who created them—those dishes elicit an emotional response.
Whether you’re a “foodie” or not, it’s downright awe-inspiring to see what people do with the bounty of God’s creation. And it’s a reminder that when people’s God-given talents meet with God’s provision, well, the final product is glorious. It is beautiful.
And that’s why Chef’s Table is such a good reminder for all of us.
Here’s the thing. You may not feel like it all the time, but God has uniquely wired you to be creative. Sometimes it’s in the traditional sense—you paint, draw, dance, sing, build things—but sometimes it’s in ways we might not immediately recognize as creative. Maybe you write code or solve equations or create systems in your head. Maybe you make up game plans for soccer or intuitively know how to construct a bridge that won’t collapse.
You are creative.
No matter what the specific nature of your creativity may be, you can rest assured that God will provide what you need to exercise those gifts and talents. And because of your background and passions and even your struggles, the product of your creativity will be uniquely you. No one else can make what you make exactly like you make it. It is what it is because it’s part of your story.
So when you have the opportunity to be creative today, recognize that using your talent is an offering to your Lord and Savior. Don’t let fear hold you back. Don’t let insecurities keep you from trying. Thank God for His very good gift, and ask Him to help you use it well. Tell Him that His glory is the desire of your heart. Honor Him with your efforts.
The place where your participation and His provision collide will be something special.
And as you surrender that creativity to the Lord, you’ll find that as He is making something beautiful through you, He is also making something beautiful in you—a humble, willing heart.
That’s just something else, isn’t it?
1. What’s your favorite creative outlet? How long have you enjoyed it? Can you trace it back to your childhood?
2. What inspires you to be creative? For example, for me it’s usually nature or music, but sometimes it can even be something like watching a baseball game.
3. Have you ever recognized that your creativity is a gift from our very creative God? If so, has that realization impacted how you use your creativity to serve others?
4. How can your creativity be an offering to the Lord?
Today’s Prayer