Searching For Spring By Christine HooverSample

Day Six

The Creative Good

Scripture: Ephesians 2:10

If God is making all things beautiful, wouldn’t he want us to draw traces of beauty and joy back to him, in praise and imitation of him?

Creativity, which starts in the muck and the mire, draws the world to sit up and take notice, not of us but of our beautiful Creator. Those who do good creatively, who seek redemption persistently, find solace and help in the arms of the Suffering Servant.

Perhaps you’re waiting for something to be made beautiful. What can you do in the meantime? Give yourself to creative good. Give your life to love and serve in the ways you’ve been gifted. Draw your own perspective back to the small beauties of everyday life. Engage with others at the redemption level. Love others enough that you seek beauty for them as well as yourself. 

One of my favorite aspects of how God designed the church is that we each have different ways of seeking redemption for others. We get to be creative according to where God has placed us and what story he’s given us and what gifts and skills he’s implanted in us. We don’t all have to do good in the same ways. In fact, we mustn’t, because we need every stitch in the whole pattern in order to draw the eye to the whole Christ.

I’ve recently recognized God calling me to lay down roles and take up influence, to be creative in doing good. How can I creatively use my influence, however small it is, in my community? By loving mercy, hating injustices, loving people, hating what keeps us from community with one another. 

We may need to walk alongside a friend for many seasons, bearing with them and they with us, until beautiful fruit is borne. In order to do this, we must be willing to engage doubts, temporary setbacks, questions, tears, and all of our own struggles to believe. 

God has given us work to do. How are you cultivating beauty? Craft your sermon with diligence. Receive your customers with joy. Proctor your class with excellence. Teach your children with love. Order your home with care. Embrace your suffering with patience. 

Our creative work is a love offering. And we need all creators creating. 

What creative work is God calling you to do this week?