Devotions/Partners
Psalm 33:3-9 (KJV): “Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise. For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.”
COMMENTARY: Looking at the competitive landscape, what advantages do you and your organization possess that can help you to survive and prosper in the days ahead? One advantage, perhaps under-utilized, is “creativity.
Over the decades of my career, I’ve been amazed by the creativity of some people and organizations. For example, one of my all-time “heroes” is Walt Disney. Growing up, I’d watch the Wonderful World of Disney on television on Sunday nights. I’d see Disney movies. During the summer of America’s Bicentennial in 1976, I worked for the Entertainment Division of Walt Disney World and went through what later turned into Disney University. Creativity was ingrained in the culture, and it oozed in every way, from the “macro” (big picture) to the “micro” (details).
Creativity is the ability to create rather than imitate; to cause what did not exist to exist. Historically, America’s culture of freedom has bred creativity and innovation. The capacity to be creative comes from the Creator; we’re made in His image, so we are by nature, inherently creative. However, in our fallen, sinful condition, not all creativity is good. Just think of criminals who can be very creative, but they foolishly and wrongly apply creativity in harmful, destructive and evil ways.
As Christ-followers, we’re adopted children of the Creator with His Spirit dwelling within us. This Holy Spirit is the source of 100% “good” creativity. Therefore, to abound in good creativity, it’s wise for you and me to be full of the Holy Spirit. He can make us supernaturally innovative, flexible and adaptable to change in ways that are constructive and beneficial for ourselves and others.
APPLICATION: Through the Holy Spirit, Christians in the workplace should be the most creative business owners, executives, managers, and employees on earth. As God’s creativity flows in and through us, we can prayerfully apply it and be pioneers, causing others to imitate us.
As you seek to be creative and pioneering, let me share a word of caution: Creativity that isn’t controlled by the Holy Spirit can become overheated, impulsive, impetuous, impatient, easily bored or unreasonable. By the same token, you don’t want to inhibit and restrict the flow of creativity. With Spirit-led creativity, there’s a healthy balance.
Joyfully yours,
For Further Exploration
For further exploration about Luke 19:8 (KJV), read Taxing Issues (Luke 19:1-10; 20:20-26) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.
