Creative Power

Mike Criswell

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Scripture begins with the stunning declaration, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). As if to shock the reader into reality, the writer starkly makes his announcement and then quickly moves on with the narrative.

There are a lot of things that pique our interest in life. In the above citation “God” stands prominently as the prime mover of all that is. Who or what this “God” is finds no resolution in Genesis’s opening statement. The author simply asserts his observation as fact.

It would be easy to get swallowed up in the first three words of this incredible verse. But there is something else that has always piqued my inquisitive mind: the word “created.”

It’s easy to read the word “create” and move right along without giving it a second thought.  But the word itself creates some interesting questions. What does “create” mean? What was created? And who created the stuff from whence everything else was created? It sends the mind spinning. I suppose it is meant to do just that.

Humans are material creatures and we are inquisitive about the world around us. It’s impossible to conceive of a time when nothing gave rise to everything! No matter how much you study the reality that surrounds you, one thing is sure. It definitely took something outside our finite existence to make it all happen!

One thing that has always been a puzzle to me is why humans are so “creative?” By their very nature, humans are creators. As a species we create cities, goods and services, inventions, and yes, even children. The miracle of childbirth is without doubt the most inexplicable act of creation one can imagine.

But why are we, as humans, creative? Is there something deep within us that propels and drives us to create? I think the answer is a definite yes.

It seems evident that the creative nature of the human species reflects their own roots. It reflects the “likeness” of the One who created mankind. God is the ultimate Creator. And when He made man in His image, God placed within man the seed of creativity.  No other creature was made in the “image of God.” No other substance on earth bears the likeness of its Maker more than the children of Adam. While the heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork (Psalms 19:1), they give but a dim reflection of what humans were designed to give.

You and I have a lot of characteristics in common with God. This should be expected. The created object always bears some connection to its creator. What painter does not leave his imprint with his brush? What writer does not share her mind by way of her words? Likewise, humans in general reflect many of the characteristics of their Creator.

Man’s eternality, ability to reason, love, spiritual nature, and many other qualities all reflect that we are more than a fluke of the universe. None of these things, however, is more stunning than the creative power that has been embedded in the very essence of man.

The question, however, is not whether humans are creative. The question is what we are going to create. Are we going to create a better place or a “bitter” place? Are we going to create an environment of love, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, or are we going to sow strife and discord?

You see, God lets us decide. Humans are so good at creating messes. But with God as our mentor and Jesus as our savior, we have the potential to create a tiny piece of paradise here on earth.