This past summer was a whirlwind. Now, I know technically it’s not over yet (ugh), but when school starts back, I mentally move away from the summer mindset (bring on the leaves and pumpkins!). I’m a creative person. Obviously, I enjoy writing, I aim to write every single day. Only one post sees the light of day a week, but each day I write. I started because I felt like I had something to say, something to give the world around me. I didn’t have many opportunities to share, but on a blog, I could pour out my heart.  Creatives need an outlet to express their craft. Some of you might be thinking, that’s good for you, but I’m not creative. See that’s where you’re wrong, we are all created by a creative God to be creative. The word “create” means to bring something into existence, that’s a broad spectrum that encompasses a lot of things. The way we encourage others, the way we problem solve our work and relationships, the way we pursue our callings; all of these are creativity in motion. Still not sure? Take a look at Ephesians 2:10, which says, “We are God’s creation. He created us to belong to Christ Jesus. Now we can do good works.”

This past summer I was given a big task. I work as the youth director at my church, and we had not yet gotten a youth pastor. I was leading a team that didn’t have a clear direction, but I was tasked with this; create something fun every week this summer that includes middle and high school students that keeps momentum going. From that point I was on my own, only really given a name of something we had done in the past, “X-Games.” From that name, the gears started turning. My brain loves TV, so I had the inspiration of Nickelodeon’s Slime Time Live, the Disney Channel Games, and Legends of the Hidden Temple fueling my brain. I had a chance to take these inspirations and work with a team to collaborate on what would be our X-Games. It was a blast. The summer had its’ challenges, but each week, we created a moment that allowed students to break fear with fun and then enter into a worship session fueled by the gospel. It was a win because I was allowed to step into my creativity that God has given me.

You are called.

That verse from above says that because we belong to Christ, we are called to do good works. You have a calling over your life. No matter where you’ve been or been through, you are a part of God’s family. When you enter a relationship with Christ, you are no longer someone watching on the sidelines, you are being called by the coach to get in the game. I don’t know what that looks like in your life, honestly, I’m still listening to understand my full calling too. What I can tell you is this, you are called. Over and over in scripture, we are urged to step into our callings. We are called to love others. We are called to save the lost. We are called to speak life. We are called to stand up for those who are unable to stand. We were made to create, to bring into existence the light of Christ. You have something to bring to the table, because you are called.

We need you.

Here is the most powerful thing about our creator, he has made each of us unique and special. Paul talk about the body of Christ as a physical body, each part needing each other, but the thing is, each part of the body is needed. Without a brain, we can’t think. Without a heart, we can’t feel. Without a voice, we can’t sing. We need people who have logical thoughts, we need empaths who feel the pain of others and are able to reach out and love, we need people to sing and speak truth that brings praise to our great God. We need you. We won’t be able to function as well without what you bring to the table. This past summer was amazing, but it wasn’t because of my planning, it was because there were people who made it happen. From the leaders of teams, to the rule keepers, to the worship and production teams, social media marketing, and speakers sharing their heart; without every piece, the puzzle isn’t complete.

What I’ve learned about our creative God, is that each of us has been made to create. We are people made in God’s image, so that means we have been given that same creative spark that created the mountain ranges and the vast oceans. The same God that put the stars in the sky, knowing every name and placement, has crafted you exactly how you were meant to be. Stop listening to voices telling you otherwise, do not accept as truth anything that contradicts what scripture says about you. You are a child of God. You have been called and the people need you. Your imperfections are a light to others struggling. Your failures are a testimony to how God is a redeeming God. Your success is a beacon of God’s love over you. Every aspect of you is a work of art pointing back to your creator.

Use your creative spark because you were made to create.

-Joshua Thomas