Written by Michelle J. Goff, Founder and Director of Iron Rose Sister Ministries
“I never realized that God gave me my love for decorating as a reflection of His attention to detail and decorating, like in the temple and the curtains.”
A sister in Houston shared this revelation after a lesson I presented exploring the significance of the extravagant and huge curtain that hung between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies in the temple. A handbreadth thick when it was torn at Jesus’ death on the cross, for God, it was more like a simple rip of a piece of thin paper.
Our God is Mighty. Our God is Merciful. Our God is Spirit. And our God is Creator.
Created in His image (Gen. 1:27), when we dwell in His Spirit and live as He has designed us to live, we can be mighty, merciful, Spirit-filled, and creative!
The fruit of the Spirit does not list creativity as a facet of His fruit (Gal. 5:22-23), yet I want you to take a moment and reflect on a time in which your creativity flowed in a way that could only be described as “inspired.” Where did that inspiration come from?
Makoto Fujimura, in his book Art and Faith: A Theology of Making, proposes that one of the most divine ways for non-believers to be introduced to God is through the arts. As Maker, God made us to make. As Creator, He created us to create. It is in that moment of creative making that we can build an in-depth connection with our Creator through His Spirit. Are we open to that? Do we recognize that opportunity?
Artists or “creatives” are more than just painters or sculptures. Some artists are culinary. Others are good with their hands and have a good eye for things like a seamstress or women who can “up-cycle” recycled items to design beautiful constructs.
My medium is words—a monologue, a poem, a Bible study, a lesson, a conversation, a song, or an expression. However, the best words have been creatively crafted by inspiration of the Holy Spirit and are not my own.
Bezalel and Oholiab (Ex. 31) were gifted in all kinds of craftsmanship. Kathy makes jewelry, Juana makes soaps, and Jocelynn makes lasagnas. Wendy creates websites, Molly creates spreadsheets, and Teresa creates connections. Jennifer designs curriculum, Mandy writes songs, and Pam gifts crocheted items. My sister, Chrys, creates vegan versions of recipes and shares them with others.
Every single woman listed delights in her craft and shares the fruit of her handiwork with others. When our creative gifts and passions are used in Kingdom contexts, we are filled with even more joy.
How have you been gifted to create? How can your creations be used to give God glory?
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