Apprenticeship With Jesus: Day 7

For Lent, I am walking us through a book called Apprenticeship With Jesus. You can follow along by reading my highlights and reflections. Extensive previews of the book, including excerpts, can be found through Google Books and Amazon, as well as eBook purchasing options.

Day 7: Emulating the Master’s Creativity: The Joy of Originality

–  Three most common character traits of God – creative, compassionate, and community

–  To be God’s apprentice means, among other things, to be our most creative selves because he is creative

–  God has made us to experience joy in imitating his creative activity

When thinking about being an apprentice of Jesus, one would not immediately think about becoming more creative. Being creative is one of God’s most enjoyable things to do. The Bible tells us that each day of God’s creation included a time when God admired what he had created and said that it was good. If you think about it though, are there more enjoyably proud moments than when something that you had a hand in creating comes to fruition? This pride isn’t self centeredness but joy similar to God’s joy in his creation.

Apprentice Activity: Being Creative “with God”

–  Make a list of everything you do that is creative

–   Ask yourself, “Which of these creative tasks is most life giving?”

– Narrow your list to one and find some time to be creative “with-God”

I have a huge interest in music and have some friends who are really good at it. I admire the ability to create a song with an enjoyable melody and piercing lyrics. Occasionally, I will try to write up a song. Here is one song, entitled “Mega Church Blues,” that I wrote the lyrics to and my friend David put to music. Besides music, I just enjoy writing, as you can tell if you have visited this blog very often. Some things just come to me and I enjoy playing around with the ideas. It is fun. For example, here is my Guide to Selecting A Rock Band Name:

1. You can not use numbers in your name

2. You can not use interstellar references (planet, star, rockets, etc.)
3. Words big and super can not be used at any time. Neither can small or little.
4. No quality band has ever used the name path of adding “and.” Such as Echo and the Bunnymen, Homer Hickam and the Rocketboys, etc.
5. You cannot use colors in your name
6. Try to use a two word name. These are easy to remember and roll off the tongue with ease. Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, Rolling Stones, Beach Boys, Public Enemy.
7. The longer the name the more chance of obscurity. Indie band names keep getting longer and longer for some reason.
8. Animal references are to be used sparingly. How many wolf and bear bands have come out in the last 10 years? Too many to name.
9. The best place to find names is in songs from your favorite band. There used to be a band named the Barefoot Servants which was named from a line in the Dylan song All Along the Watchtower.
10. Do not use references to famous people. Yule’s Big Blue Brenner is a terrible name.
11. Unless you are bilingual, do not use Los in your name.

What is Jesus teaching me? I have tried to honor God by this blog. I have struggled with whether or not I make this blog more about me than about God and his glory. The lesson today gave me some reassurance that my efforts in creating, designing, and managing this blog are my way of emulating God’s creativity. I thank God for this opportunity and how he has used this venture to help grow me and transform me and hopefully benefit others.

What do you learn about God through your creative moments? How can creativity be a way to worship God?

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