When most of us hear the word creativity, we think about art—painting, writing, music, dance. Some of us might think of photography, design, or theater. And many people immediately disqualify themselves, saying, “I’m not creative. That’s for other people.”
But the truth is, creativity is the fingerprint of God upon every single one of us. It is not reserved for artists or musicians. Creativity shows up in how you solve problems at work, in how you parent, in the meals you cook, in the garden you plant, in the way you dream up solutions for your family, community, or ministry. Creativity isn’t an option—it’s in our DNA.
Why? Because we were made in the image of the Creator.
God Is the Original Creator
The very first thing we learn about God is that He creates. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Before He is revealed as Father, Savior, or Judge, we meet Him as Creator.
Then Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
That verse is staggering. God, who is infinitely creative, made us in His likeness. That means creativity flows through our veins. Just look at the variety in creation: snowy mountaintops, deserts, coral reefs, wildflowers, elephants, and hummingbirds. Who else could imagine that much diversity?
If we are made in His image, then creativity is part of our spiritual identity. You might not put paint on a canvas, but when you arrange a room, write a prayer, solve a problem, or organize chaos into order, you are echoing your Creator.
Creativity Is Worship
One of the most powerful truths about creativity is that it can become worship.
Colossians 3:23 reminds us: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
When you create something and dedicate it to God, you are worshiping Him. A song written for His glory is worship. A garden planted with joy can be worship. A business run with integrity can be worshiped. Creativity done for His pleasure is worship at its highest form.
I once had a friend who loved gardening. She would say, “This is my worship. I plant these flowers for the Lord.” And you know what? When you walked into her garden, you felt peace. It reflected God’s beauty. She wasn’t writing books or singing from a stage, but her creativity magnified Him.
That’s the question we each need to ask: Am I creating for applause, or am I creating for God’s pleasure?
Creativity Is Warfare
There’s another side to creativity that we often miss: creativity is warfare.
Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
The enemy destroys, distorts, and tears down. God builds, restores, and creates. Every time you create something good, true, or beautiful, you are resisting darkness.
In Exodus 31, God anointed Bezalel with skill, craftsmanship, and artistic ability to design and build the tabernacle. That wasn’t just a construction project. That was spiritual warfare. In the middle of the wilderness, God’s people built a sanctuary filled with beauty and excellence. It became a dwelling place for His presence. Creativity was pushing back despair. Beauty was defeating chaos.
The same is true today. When you write a song of truth in a world full of lies, you’re waging war. When you design something beautiful in a culture that celebrates ugliness, you’re advancing the kingdom. When you create with God, you resist the enemy.
Creativity Is Healing
Creativity is also deeply healing.
Psalm 40:3 says, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.”
If you’ve ever sat down to journal, or painted a canvas, or sung a melody, or written out a prayer, you know that something shifts inside of you. God uses creativity as medicine for the soul.
David is our best example of this. He wrote Psalms when he was betrayed, when he was afraid, when he was grieving, and when he was rejoicing. His creative expressions weren’t just art—they were his way of processing pain and meeting God in it. Thousands of years later, his songs still heal us.
For some of you, God wants to heal you through the creative process. Writing, drawing, singing, building, planting—these are not just hobbies. They can be pathways to encounter God’s presence in the middle of your pain.
Creativity Is Calling
Finally, creativity isn’t just a gift. It’s a calling.
Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
That word workmanship in the Greek is poiema, where we get the English word poem. You are God’s poem. His masterpiece. His work of art.
That means you are not random. The gifts, skills, and creative impulses God has given you were placed there on purpose. They are part of your calling.
And yet, many of us bury those gifts. Maybe someone told you as a child that you weren’t creative. Maybe the comparison made you feel inadequate. Maybe fear told you it’s too late. But hear this clearly: your creativity is not an accident—it’s a divine assignment.
Culture-shapers—the filmmakers, writers, innovators, entrepreneurs—are often the ones who change society’s conversations. But imagine what happens when God’s people step into that arena with Holy Spirit-inspired creativity. That’s when culture shifts toward the light.
Don’t bury your gift. Ask God how He wants to use it.
Living Out Our Creative Calling in Christ
So, what does all of this mean for us today?
It means creativity reflects the Creator. It means creativity is worship. Creativity is warfare. Creativity is healing. And creativity is calling.
The world doesn’t just need more talent. It needs people who will use their God-given creativity to glorify Him and bring life.
So here’s my challenge to you: This week, create something. Anything. Write a prayer. Paint a picture. Plant a seed. Cook a meal with joy. Sketch a design. Record a song. Start the project you’ve been putting off. Whatever it is, dedicate it to the Lord.
Because creativity is not just talent, it’s testimony.
Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Your life is art. Your creativity is worship. Your calling is divine.
Now, as you go create with God, I thought this little prayer might help you!
“Lord, thank You for making us in Your image. Thank you for putting creativity inside of us. Forgive us for burying our gifts. Help us to create in a way that honors You, heals us, and blesses others. And may our creativity push back the darkness in this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/gorodenkoff
Cynthia Garrett broke barriers when she became the first African American woman in the U.S. to host a network late-night show, NBC’s Later with Cynthia Garrett. She is currently seen on TBN and Salem Media networks, as well as on Fox News and other news outlets, addressing cultural issues and today’s news. The Cynthia Garrett Podcasts premiere weekly on all major podcast platforms.
A highly sought-after speaker, author, TV host, and ordained minister, Garrett is the author of The Naked Truth: Reclaiming Sexual Freedom in a Culture of Lies (2024), I Choose Victory: Moving from Victim to Victor (2020), and Prodigal Daughter: A Journey Home to Identity (2016). For more information, visit www.cynthiagarrett.org
