The Red Letter Words Of JesusSample

New Geniuses

Dan was always making things as a kid. He loved to tinker to try to make things better. He was always fascinated by his dad’s old leather bag. The leather was worn like Grandpa’s favorite easy chair next to the wood stove. It mesmerized him. He was amazed it was still as strong as it was the day it was made. The bag had endless tales to tell of business trips, important presentations, and exciting adventures.

This fascination led Dan to work with leather. He sells his goods all over the world. People crave that personal touch of knowing who made their product with their own hands. There’s something divinely earthy about knowing a living, breathing human being made it. It’s personal. Love and care are the two main ingredients.

Dan’s craft has connected him to many people and built countless bridges for him. As a craftsman, he has common ground. He listens to the stories of other makers, and he shares his. 

He feels a deep sense of accomplishment when he makes something, an identification with God’s stamp of approval: “this is good.” The Creator Himself marveled at His handiwork, just as Dan marvels at his. We need not only allow but also encourage people to be creative and give them opportunities to create. 

Dan reminds us we serve the most creative being in the universe: the living God. He crafted us in His image. He created us to create. I failed to mention Dan is also a pastor. Many would resist opening up to Dan the pastor, but they are ready to interact with Dan the craftsman, Dan the artist, Dan the creative. Our creativity makes us distinct to the core. It also makes us and the gospel we carry accessible to others.