Be Creative to God's Glory!
Have you ever used MacGyver as a verb? If you have watched the popular television series, MacGyver, (1985-1992, 2016-2021) you would know what I mean. The term, “to MacGyver something,” comes from the ingenuity of the lead character in the series who had an extraordinary gift for problem solving. The term. as a verb. has made its way into popular culture for anyone with an uncanny talent for fixing things from resources, often meager, and on hand! Another similar term for this creative ability to improvise is “Jerry-rigged.” There is a difference though between a duct tape solution, excellence, and innovation!
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| Jerry-rigged, but it works!😁 |
The
opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics this week was an incredible display of
artistic creativity and dazzling talent. In one of the most beautiful of
settings along the famed Seine River the dance artists were kicking up their
heals in puddles of water as the rain poured down. There were explosions of
color from the decorated natural structures to the provocative costuming and
visual depictions. The City of Lights put on a fast-paced and lively display
welcoming the world to the home of Avant-Gard Art. The show was experimental,
innovative, and pushed the boundaries!
Understandably,
some took exception to parts of the program. I was reminded how art is “edgy”
at times! Years ago, a close friend and I toured a nearby university art show
featuring abstract paintings in the galley. My friend leaned into whisper to
me, “Mike, if we were the artist, we’d have to apologize for something like
this!” I knew what he meant! Not all art forms need be controversial.
Recently,
I was delighted to see an entertaining production of Hello Dolly in one of
our city’s local theatres. I cannot think of a better way to spend three hours
on a Sunday afternoon. One of the things that always amazes me about community
theatre is how the production team can use such a humble setting with limited
space so efficiently. When it is done well, a small theatre troupe in this
setting has maximum power to transform and take the audience’s attention and
imagination to another place and time. That’s creativity in motion and pure
entertainment!
Some of
those, who protested the ingenuity of parts of the Paris program this week,
should be reminded of the role that art and creativity play in the biblical
structures of the Tabernacle and later, the Temple. If we could travel back in
time to see in person the magnificent draperies and objects charged with
spectacular imagery and opulence, I’m sure some would have criticized this
structural production as too costly and showy!
While some
of us could be happy worshipping in a plain Quonset Hut, it was God who chose
to set apart and equip a team of creative artists to design and build His house
of worship. Would it surprise you to note that the first person characterized
as “filled with the Spirit of God” was a creative craftsman named Bezalel? It
wasn’t Adam, Abraham, or Moses! Rather, a skilled artist who would be called
into service to build the Tent of Meeting!
God’s Word
describes Bezalel’s calling with specificity and affirmation. “I’ve personally
chosen Bezalel… I’ve filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him skill and
know-how and expertise in every kind of craft to create designs and work in
gold, silver, and bronze; to cut and set gemstones; to carve wood – he’s an
all-around craftsman!” (Exodus 31:3-5, The Message). This tent-like,
portable structure would be the setting in which God would meet His people and
bring glory to His name!
All of us
are creating something through our work and efforts in this life. We could choose
to “jerry-rig” our way through each day in a quick and careless way. Instead, we
should make a care-inspired commitment to excellence knowing that’s what God
requires. What will this reflect to others? It is as someone once said, “As we
create, we reveal the character of our great God!”
Eugene
Peterson shows his creativity with the traditional benediction of Jesus’ model
prayer. He exuberantly closes with this praise to God, “You’re in charge! You
can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes.” (Matthew 6:13,
The Message). Let’s use our creativity for the Glory of God!
Check out these related links: Wrapped! Creatively Designed!
Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
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