The Image of God: Why We Create

Since the dawn of time, human beings have expressed their creativity – and their identity – by producing art.  From cave drawings and ancient pottery to modern horror novels and summer blockbuster films, mankind seems to be obsessed with creating.  Each generation strives to leave its mark on the universe by producing something totally new – to provide a fresh perspective on the human experience.

Have you ever wondered why we are so desperate to create?

God answers this question for us in the very first chapter of the Bible.  Genesis 1:27 says that “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”  We were made in the very likeness of God, so it stands to reason that the things that matter to God would also matter to us.

Now read the rest of Genesis 1 and see what the Almighty God spends His time doing.  You’ve got it – creating.  God, the Original Artist, crafts the magnificent universe we call home, with all of its intricate complexity and breathtaking detail – and He pulls it all off in seven days.

God shows His power, His wisdom, His knowledge, and His thoughtfulness and love through His ability to create.  The desire to make Himself known through creativity is an essential part of His nature.  And that’s who we were born to emulate.

Every human being to date has been in the business of creating.  Whether you create musical compositions, speeches, poetry, gourmet pastries, landscaped lawns, technological innovations, or a clever name for your car, you are striving to create art.  As a collective human race, this is simply what we do – because this is who we are – children of God, made to reflect His image.

What about those artists who openly spit in God’s face?  Whether they accept it or not, each time they create a new product, they are bringing glory to God the Father by following His example and serving as His image-bearer.

And what about Christians who fail to put their creative talents to good use?  Now there’s a question worth considering.

Francis Schaeffer, author of Hidden Art, posed the question this way:  “Are we, who have been made in the image of our Creator, and who acknowledge and understand what that means because we know God exists and experience communication with Him – are we to be less creative than those who do not know that the Creator made them in His image, and who have no contact with Him?”[1]

I believe the answer to this question should be a resounding no!  As Christian ambassadors on this earth, we ought to display our creativity, with as much excellence as we can muster, every chance we get.  Christian, do you want to do something important, that will bring glory to God and proclaim Him to the nations?

Then your task is clear:  get out there and create.

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[1] Schaeffer, Edith.  Hidden Art. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1972.

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