How Can You Use Creativity to Glorify God?

Worship & Creative
Estimated Reading Time: 11 Minutes

From the moment we’re handed crayons and coloring pages, we’re encouraged to unleash our creativity and let our imaginations soar. Parents delight in seeing their children transform simple boxes into magical worlds and turn blank pages into vibrant adventures.

Yet, as we grow older, many of us set aside this boundless creativity, mistakenly believing it’s a trait reserved for children or frivolous pursuits. In truth, our creativity is a divine gift, woven into our very being as reflections of God’s image.

No, creativity isn’t just for kids—it’s a profound way to connect with and use creativity to glorify God.

In this post, we’ll explore how embracing your creative gifts can be an act of worship, why creativity is deeply significant to God, and what the Bible says about our creative callings.

Understanding the Biblical View of Creativity

Do you see yourself as a creative soul, or do you feel like creativity is a gift you’ve missed out on?

If you lean towards the latter, let me share a refreshing truth straight from Scripture: you are, indeed, a creative being. This isn’t just a personal belief—it’s a reality grounded in the Word of God.

From a biblical view of creativity, being made in the image of the ultimate Creator (Genesis 1:27), you possess the innate ability to create, innovate, and imagine. After all, if the Creator of the universe is the very definition of creativity, doesn’t it make sense that His image-bearers would be too?

For further encouragement, check out 22 Scriptures for Creatives, which highlights key Bible passages that speak to the divine nature of creativity.

When we engage in creative acts—whether through art, music, writing, or problem-solving—we’re not just making something new; we’re reflecting God’s own creative nature. As Erwin Raphael McManus beautifully puts it in his book, The Artisan Soul: “To create is to reflect the image of God. To create is an act of worship.” 1

Creativity is about bringing forth something that didn’t exist before, much like how God spoke the world into being in Genesis 1:1. Each act of creation mirrors that divine process, and it’s a privilege to carry this creative spark.

But why did God grant us this incredible gift?

It’s not meant to be a fleeting joy of childhood, only to be set aside as we mature. Instead, our creativity is a means to reflect God’s character, His love, and His goodness. He desires that our creative expressions—whether grand or simple—serve to glorify Him and bless others.

In a world where creativity is often used to spread darker messages, it’s even more crucial that we, as reflections of God’s image, use our gifts to shine His light.

The Bible is filled with references that underscore this divine intent. Take, for instance, the detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle in Exodus 35:30–35. God didn’t just give Bezalel the skills to craft; He filled him with His Spirit to ensure that the creative work was not only beautiful but divinely inspired.

Why is Creativity Important to God?

Creativity and God are inseparable—He is the Ultimate Creator, and His essence is woven into the very fabric of creativity itself. So, is creativity important to God? Absolutely.

From a biblical view of creativity, it’s clear that if creativity is so central to who God is, why, then, should we believe it becomes less important as we grow older? There’s no biblical basis for setting aside this gift. Instead, God invites us to channel our creativity to help build His Kingdom and reveal His beauty to the world.

It’s a bit disheartening when creativity is casually labeled as just a “hobby” or something to pass the time. Sure, it can be fun and therapeutic, but it’s so much more than that. Creativity is a vital part of our divine purpose. Each of us has been uniquely gifted to bring something new into existence that reflects God’s love, light, and splendor.

So, when we engage in creative endeavors, we’re not merely enjoying ourselves; rather, we’re fulfilling a sacred assignment to reflect God’s beauty and impact the world around us.

Plus, our creative moments can be deeply spiritual times with the Lord. These are opportunities to draw closer to our Creator, receive profound revelations, and share them through our art with others.

Ruth Davidar Paul beautifully captures this in his article, The Deep Worship of Our Creative Lives. He writes, “God made us in His image—creative. Expressing our creative impulse is not merely a way to obey God, but also a means of communing with Him. This is why art is therapeutic.” 2

Consider King David’s psalms. His poetry and music weren’t just artistic displays; they were heartfelt acts of worship, drawing him closer to God and leading others into His presence.

Understanding the importance of creativity in God’s eyes illuminates why embracing our creative roles is so crucial. When we create, we’re not just making things; we’re drawing closer to God, glorifying Him, and spreading His light throughout the world. 

The enemy wants us to believe the lie that we lack creativity, but imagine the powerful impact we can have on God’s Kingdom when we fully embrace our roles as His creative vessels.

Using Creativity as a Form of Worship

What if your creative outlets were more than just hobbies or pastimes? Imagine approaching your painting, writing, or music as opportunities to draw closer to your Father and offer Him worship.

When we direct our creativity toward glorifying God, it transforms from mere artistic expression into a profound act of worship.

However, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance in your creative endeavors. Burnout can diminish the joy and purpose of creating for God. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or exhausted by your creative pursuits, you might find helpful insights in Preventing Creative Burnout.

Consider this: when a painter captures the beauty of God’s creation on canvas, or when a writer weaves a story that reveals spiritual truths, or when a musician composes melodies that uplift the soul, each of these acts can become a heartfelt offering of praise to God. The essence lies in the intention behind the creation. 

So, when our creative work is done with the purpose of honoring God, it becomes a vibrant expression of worship.

Creativity and worship are not separate endeavors; they are deeply intertwined aspects of our nature. From the very beginning, God invited humanity to engage in creation (Genesis 1:28) and to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Our creative gifts are not just talents to be used but callings to fulfill.

By participating in creative work with a worshipful heart, we respond to God’s invitation to join Him in the act of creation and fulfill our ultimate purpose: to glorify Him with all that we are and all that we do.

Throughout the Bible, we see inspiring examples of individuals who used their creative talents as acts of worship. Take David, for instance—his music and poetry were not just personal expressions but communal acts of worship that invited others to glorify God. His Psalms, which soothed Saul’s troubled spirit (1 Samuel 16:23), continue to guide and inspire us believers today.

In Exodus 31, God appointed Bezalel and Oholiab to lead the creation of the Tabernacle, a sacred space for worship. Their artistic craftsmanship, guided by the Holy Spirit, was not merely a task but a divine act of worship. The beauty and intricacy of the Tabernacle reflected God’s glory and provided a sacred space for His presence among His people.

So, the next time you engage in your creative pursuits, remember that you are participating in something far greater than yourself. By weaving worship into your creativity, you’re fulfilling your calling and reflecting the divine beauty of God.

Practical Ways to Use Creativity to Glorify God

If you’ve given into the lie that creativity is just for kids or a mere hobby–or that you need permission to embrace it fully–then I’m here to help you shatter that myth completely.

As Erwin Raphael McManus beautifully states in his book Artisan Soul, “Creativity should be an everyday experience. Creativity should be as common as breathing. We breathe, therefore we create.”

So how can you make creativity a regular part of your life and use it to glorify God? Think of it not just as a pastime, but as a meaningful way to connect with your Creator.

Here are some inspiring and practical tips to help you use your artistic gifts for worship:

Artistic Expression: Painting, Music, Writing

    1. Painting and Visual Art:

        • Create worship (or prophetic) art: Set the mood with some worship music, and take a moment to pray and connect with God’s heart. Let the Holy Spirit guide your brush as you create—whether you’re painting a biblical scene, a spiritual concept, or an abstract representation of His love. Your art, born from a place of worship, can touch and minister to others in ways you might not expect.

        • Host a faith-based art night: Gather with friends or church members for a creative evening filled with spiritual exploration. Reflect on Scripture, share personal testimonies, and create art together as an act of worship. Whether you each work on individual pieces or collaborate on a collective masterpiece, this shared experience can deepen your faith and community bond.

    1. Music:

        • Compose worship songs: If you play an instrument or love to sing, try your hand at writing worship songs. These can be simple tunes expressing your love for God or more intricate compositions exploring profound theological themes.

        • Participate in worship at church: Share your musical talents by leading worship in your church or small group. Whether you’re playing an instrument or singing, your contributions can help usher others into the presence of God.

    1. Writing:

        • Write devotionals or poems: Use your writing skills to pen devotionals, poems, or prayers that reflect your spiritual journey. Share these with your church community, on your blog, or through social media to encourage and uplift others.

        • Start a faith-based blog: Consider launching a blog where you delve into spiritual themes, share insights from Scripture, and offer encouragement through your writing. This platform can extend your reach and touch lives beyond your immediate circle.

Community Projects: Church Décor, Community Outreach

    1. Church Décor:

        • Design seasonal decorations: Infuse your church environment with seasonal charm by designing decorations that celebrate the rhythm of the year. From crafting vibrant banners to creating altar arrangements that reflect the beauty of God’s creation, your artistic touch can transform the worship space into a haven of inspiration and reverence.

        • Collaborative art projects: Foster a sense of unity and shared worship by organizing collaborative art projects. Engage your church family in contributing to a large-scale piece, like a mural or quilt, that not only beautifies the church but also symbolizes the collective heart and spirit of your community.

    1. Community Outreach:

        • Creative fundraising: Ignite community spirit with creative fundraising events that support your church or local charities. Host art auctions, concerts, or craft fairs where every artistic endeavor contributes to causes that embody God’s love and compassion.

        • Art therapy and workshops: Offer art therapy sessions or workshops as a means of comfort and connection for those facing challenges. These creative gatherings provide a safe space for individuals to express themselves and experience God’s healing touch through the therapeutic power of art.

Personal Devotion: Journaling, Scripture Art

    1. Journaling:

        • Creative prayer journals: Dive deeper into your spiritual journey with a prayer journal that blends written prayers with doodles, sketches, or collages. This creative practice enriches your connection with God and serves as a beautiful record of your evolving relationship with Him.

        • Gratitude journals: Cultivate a heart of worship by keeping a daily gratitude journal. Add personal touches with drawings or calligraphy to celebrate God’s blessings and enhance your focus on His goodness.

    1. Scripture Art:

        • Bible journaling: Elevate your Bible study to a vibrant spiritual practice with Bible journaling. Infuse your Bible’s margins with your unique artistic flair—whether through drawings, paintings, or hand-lettered verses. Each page becomes a canvas where you can merge your creativity with your devotion, making your study time a personal and colorful dialogue with God.

        • Create Scripture cards: Allow your favorite Bible passages come to life through beautifully designed Scripture cards and bookmarks. Craft these treasures to inspire and uplift, whether for your personal reflection, as thoughtful gifts, or as part of your ministry outreach. Each card becomes a beacon of God’s truth and love, ready to bless others.

        • Coloring pages: Dive into the joy of Scriptural coloring books, where every stroke of color is a moment of worship. These creative spaces allow you to connect with God in a soothing and artistic way, turning your coloring time into a meditative experience that celebrates His word.

The Bottom Line

Isn’t it wonderful how our creative expressions can intertwine with our purpose and worship to expand God’s Kingdom? Whether we’re sculpting, composing, painting, or designing, every act of creativity holds the potential to unveil God’s beauty and bring Him glory. From a biblical view of creativity, we see that it’s not just a lovely addition to our lives; it’s a vibrant reflection of our identity as His image-bearers.

So, if you’re wondering whether creativity is important to God, the answer is a resounding yes.

Your creative pursuits are more than just hobbies; they are powerful ways to fulfill your divine calling. You have been chosen to create, to worship, to carry God’s presence into the world, and ultimately to use creativity to glorify God. 

To help you on this journey of intentional creativity, we’ve created a checklist just for you. Our “Worshiper’s Wellness Checklist” is your FREE guide designed to assist you in living intentionally and embodying your truest self. This checklist offers simple yet profound steps to infuse into your everyday rhythm, helping you spread God’s love as He intended. You can download the checklist here

So, I challenge you to embrace your creativity with intention, and watch how it can glorify God, making His love known in the most beautiful, impactful ways.

Citations

    1. “The Artisan Soul” by Erwin Raphael McManus

    1. “Does Your Church Have Churchgoers With Unfulfilled Needs?” by Ruth Davidar Paul

Source: The Gospel Coalition