Harold Arnold: Your Relationship Rocks Coach!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Creativity breeds creativity

Merry Christmas! As I think about the birth of Christ during this holiday season, God’s creativity is foremost in my mind. From the beginning of the word, God has created. The book of Genesis describes God’s creative genius as He brought forth the earth, water, and skies. He created plant life and animal life (including mankind) with creativity that thousands of years later we still struggle to understand.

One of the most amazing aspects of God’s creative efforts, however, is the creative properties that he placed within his creation. In other words, in creating humankind in His own image He designed us to be creative. Whether it be artistic, technological, or relational humankind exhibits an amazing array of creative energy. And, the most amazing property of this creativity is that it is optimized in the presence of other creative people. Here is the model: Creativity breeds creativity. God, the Creator, create us to be creators ourselves. Our purpose is to create. Regardless of your specific gift, ultimately it is about creating something that highlights God’s splendor—thus directing others to Him.

Social science research has long established that one of the many benefits of cross-cultural relationships is their creative value. Diversity elicits creativity as differing ways of thinking enrich the idea or the product. Although diverse thinking often produces friction, when pushed through productively this friction leads to a better outcome.

This is an excellent discourse about the value of cross-cultural relationships. God imbues each of us with a bit of Himself. And, He commands us to be in relationship with one another for the express purpose of channeling our collective giftings in a creative endeavor. This is especially true in intimate cross-cultural relationships like marriage. Emotional tumult often makes it difficult for us to see God’s creativity in our spouses. But, it is there just as it is in each of us. Your job and mine is to cultivate this creativity in a way that honors one another. In the end it is God who is honored as He smiles at His good work. As you enjoy this Christmas season and the birth of Jesus, be reminded that God has also birthed something in you. What are you creating with it?