I’m a sucker for creative competitions on TV. I love hearing soaring vocals on “The Voice,” listening to the gentle enthusiasm of contestants on “The Great British Baking Show,” watching fantastical fashion designs come to life on “Project Runway,” and seeing chefs adapt to challenges on “Top Chef.”
I marvel at the tasty treats and costume confections, because they are things I’d never dream of creating. I admire seeing that spark of creativity come to life in others, and I think my appreciation is a reflection of our creative God.
In Exodus 35, Moses asks the people to contribute to the creation of God’s Tabernacle. He addresses skillful craftsmen and mentions Bezalel in particular, saying, “And [the Lord] has filled [Bezalel] with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs…” (Exodus 35:31-32).
Bezalel’s artistic designs were the direct result of the Spirit of God’s work in his life. Talk about God-ordained! Exodus 36:2 continues by noting, “And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whose mind the Lord had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work.”
I don’t think I have Bezalel’s particular skills, but I love that final line: “Everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work.” That spark of creativity we long for is God-designed. You and I are created in the image of the Creator, and our longing to plunge our hands into clay or pick up a paint palette is inspired by the God whose image we mirror.
My husband bought me a watercolor kit for Christmas, and I picked up an embroidery kit on Etsy. I might be terrible at both, but I’m excited to praise God through my pursuit of creativity.
What will your creative pursuit be this year?
