Creativity & Innovation

Rev. James Wong

A lesson of creativity. The Toyota organization implements a million ideas a year. It’s a fact. It is the largest car manufacturer in the world. Its profit outstrips GM, Ford, Daimler-Chrysler, Honda and Volkswagen put together. It is one of the planet’s ten most profitable companies. It is their fanatical focus on getting a little better, daily.

1. God and his creativity

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning — the first day. ~Gen 1:1-5 (NIV)

2. Creative gifts of God

Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts — 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. ~Ex 31:1-5 (NIV)

10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies.

~1 Peter 4:10-11

3. Use your creativity in serving God

“The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them.” ~Prov. 18:15 (LB)

“Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. Whatever else you get, get insight. 8 Love wisdom, and she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will bring you honor. 9 She will be your crowning glory." ~Prov 4:7-9 (TEV)

The church’s creativity: 2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, "We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word." ~Acts 6:2-4 (NLT)

When you approach life with creative ideas and seeking innovative ways to improve your performance and productivity, you go beyond your limitations..