You are created in the image of God. I think we refer to this so often in Christian circles that we become numb to what it actually means. Take some time and think about what it means to be made in the image of the Almighty God. Go ahead, I’ll wait…
Mind-blowing, right?! While we certainly don’t have the full capacity of God (and I’m not quite sure we can even comprehend what that means), we resemble the God that loves unconditionally, blesses miraculously, is all-powerful, all-knowing, and created everything in existence. How cool is that?! And even though we are not all-powerful or all-knowing, we are able to love, bless others, and even be a creator ourselves.
I am amazed every time I watch my children play. They take these small, inanimate toys and somehow produce elaborate fantasy worlds where anything is possible. And they do it completely from their own imagination. My kids have never seen Avatar or FernGully (the 1992 cartoon movie that Avatar blatantly ripped off). They have no idea what a fantasy world would even look like. Using only their creativity, they are able to come up with something that, at least in their own minds, has never existed before.
I feel like our desire to create fades as we age. Perhaps it is our fear of failure, or maybe we just think it's immature to "waste" time using our imagination. When was the last time you did that? Sure, I often daydream of fishing all day with an endless supply of Buffalo Wild Wings on hand. But those are not new concepts, only a combination of things I am very familiar with. I really can’t tell you the last time I even tried to create something new. As a creator made in the image of God, I feel as though I am completely ignoring a part of who I was created to be.
Now, I’m not talking about inventing gadgets or writing fictional novels (while those are great examples of being a creator). I’m talking about using your talents and producing something that is fresh and innovative. I’m talking about utilizing your role as a creator to serve the God that created you.
Just think about how much impact a new ministry would have in your community. While traditional ministries that have become part of your community calendar are amazing blessings to those that are served, try thinking about a demographic that is not touched by those programs. What could you do that would be appealing to a group of people that don’t ordinarily come out to community events and may not need the assistance that the traditional ministries are providing? How can you introduce people to Christ in a way that they may not have experienced before?
I’ll tell you what, let’s do this together. Please comment below by either sharing a ministry idea that others can help you develop or a thought on how to put a new twist on an old idea. People helping people. Let’s do this!