“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’” John 5:8

We are at our best when we are creating. Like the presence of a breeze on a stagnant day, creativity invigorates us. It connects us to our purpose. It enables us to give. To inspire. To invite others into a new perspective

Don’t overlook this aspect of your life. God has given you innumerable ways in which you can express creativity. But it will never be realized if you think because you can’t paint like Picasso or sing like Whitney Houston that your creative stirrings are worthless. If you never act on the gifts you have been given (no matter how “small” they seem) you most likely will lose them.

When Jesus told the invalid at the Pool of Bethesda to pick up his mat and walk, he was calling him to leave behind thirty-eight years of paralysis. Jesus even asked the man if he wanted to be made well (verse 6). There were some internal obstacles that had to be overcome before he could be healed. I think the same is true for many of us in our approach to using our gifts. Maybe we need to tear down some roadblocks of laziness, complacency or fear of failure that lull us into the sleep of immobility.

So recognize the call of your Creator. Don’t wait any longer. Pick up your mat - or pen, or guitar, or spatula, or hammer! Walk into a world that needs what you have and give it.  Be assured that your gifts bring both glory and pleasure to God.

Thank you Jesus for the gift of creativity that lies within each of us. Help us not neglect to use it for your glory.

Take Action

Think of one gift you have that you have been reluctant to use and commit to putting it into practice.



Tags: entrusted stewardship creativity