Unashamed Culture: Connecting Our Faith and CreativitySample

Day 3: God’s blueprint for culture and creativity:

So far in this study, we’ve established a definition of what culture is and why it matters. We’ve also seen Jesus’ intent for Scripture to shape our lens for engaging culture. Now, let’s consider God's original plan for culture. By looking back at the creation narrative we will see two things: 1) God establishes man as the beneficiary of His initial creative work and 2) God invites man to imitate His creative work.

From the opening of Genesis 1, we see God powerfully creating the universe. He creates the heavens, the earth, light, water and we even see God divide time. In Genesis 2, God’s work becomes more detailed and specific. He sets out to create a garden but first, he creates man to take care of it and enjoy it. God then goes on to make rivers that support trees and plants that support animals and man. In this event, we see man is never called to create the world. God has already done that. Instead, Man is called to take care of what exists, to enjoy it, and to imitate God by building with what he has established. 

Further instruction for tending the garden is given throughout Genesis 2 and for a period of time, there is flourishing. Adam and Eve were at peace with God and one another. In God’s creation and instruction, we see patterns of connectedness and relationship.  If we miss this step, we will find ourselves being more destructive than helpful in the things we create. 

There are many examples of this blueprint being ignored and the results are well documented throughout Scripture. The Tower of Babel and The Israelite’s golden calf in the wilderness are both well-known examples of cultural creation that did not honor God. At the Tower of Babel, man tried to push against his limitations and bring himself up to God’s level. At the creation of the calf, man tried to replace God as the object of worship and provision. Neither attempt was a success and both instances invited God’s judgment resulting in broken relationships and the destruction of things they created. 

If we acknowledge God and his blueprint, we will find the wisdom and confidence for making a culture that Glorifies him. By imitating God instead of trying to replace him, our creativity can bring peace, and enjoyment with God and others.

Meditate on the following scriptures: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.   (Proverbs 3:5-6) 

Read Genesis 2 (20 minutes)  

Reflect on the following: 

1. Does your creative process begin with acknowledging God’s order for creation? Have there been moments where either you or someone you know made things that did not lead in some way to the relational peace of God?
2. If you have struggled to acknowledge God’s wisdom in how you create, pray this: “God, I acknowledge your creative power and design for the world around me. Please train me to submit to you and imitate you in the things I make and the way I approach creativity.”