I have a friend whose tireless encouragement of other’s creativity inspires me. Sharing, cheering, affirming. Her desire to lift others up and celebrate their wins is a wonder to behold! And she is one of the most prolific and versatile creatives that I know.
I ponder the correlation between the two. Could championing someone else’s creativity be one of the master keys that unlocks your own?
Jesus spoke much about the spiritual laws of multiplication and reciprocity:
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38
It seems that generosity of heart is very appealing in the spiritual realm, and openness acts like a magnet to bring back to you in abundance what you give and offer to others.
Need to be encouraged? Offer some encouragement.
Need a financial breakthrough? How can you help someone reach their financial goals?
Looking for a download of inspiration from heaven? Sharing freely what you already know in order to help someone else is the very best way to make room for more.
Fixed Pie Thinking
The problem is that it is all too easy to have fixed pie thinking.
Some believe that the world has one big pie to share, and if someone else gets a big slice, it leaves less for me, myself and I.
But the world is not a fixed pie. There is more than enough for everyone. New industries and new technologies open brand new opportunities. There are thousands of creative money-making possibilities right now that did not even exist 50 years ago!
What is important is that we come to the table with a mindset to become creators and distributors of wealth and well-being, not hoarders. This does not necessarily mean money – it could be anything from a like on Facebook to a letter of appreciation sent in the post. Every overflow of love, however small, goes some way toward filling your creativity tank.
Like the manna that fell from heaven, storing it all up for yourself simply does not work. It will rot your insides. Our wealth, both inward and outward, are designed to be shared. It is only when they are given away that they fulfil their purpose.
“Once the commitment is clear, you do what you can, not what you can’t. The heart regulates the hands. This isn’t so others can take it easy while you sweat it out. No, you’re shoulder to shoulder with them all the way, your surplus matching their deficit, their surplus matching your deficit. In the end you come out even. As it is written, Nothing left over to the one with the most, Nothing lacking to the one with the least.” (2 Corinthains 8:12-15 MESSAGE)
Creativity is a fluid thing, created to bring life and provision, not privation. We are earthly stewards of heaven’s vast wealth. As such, we have the opportunity to share in our Father’s creative business of love, and to generously be a hand stretched out to those in need of encouragement.
As we do this, we ourselves are increased:
“There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want.” (Proverbs 11:24)
There are so many other Scriptures that teach this same sowing and reaping principle that I do not have to list them here to convince you. Just open a Bible and see what it says for yourself.
This is how the pie is ever expanding.
Creativity is a Living Thing
Creativity is a living thing. It must be fed. Because creativity is by nature giving something to the world – it makes perfect sense that it would be nourished and blossom in an atmosphere of generosity.
Keeping your cards to your chest all the time only leads to creative poverty. Reluctance to share, or champion the ideas of others, is a fast track to a desert place. We, as Christian creatives, are a tribe. We have one mission – to bring the Father’s colourful abundant character to the world and let His love and grace be seen in a multitude of ways. We can accomplish this far better as a team than we can going solo.
Giving takes many forms. My favourites include private exhortation, sharing what I know, creating books and products to cheer the hearts of fellow creatives. Opportunities arise every day where I can choose fixed-pie or endless-dessert – I know which table I want to sit at and do my best to feed my friends.
I have a long way to go. Still fall into jealousy and envy at times. I still face the crippling effects of comparison-fever. But I am gradually becoming less inclined to measure myself with such a narrow eye. I have recognised that I cannot be the best you, but I can be the best me. I cannot bring to the table something I do not have – but what Papa has entrusted me with, I will lay it out for all to enjoy.
Flourishing creatives have a heart for others. Don’t be stingy with your encouraging words. Water your desert with thanks and generosity, and you will be amazed at what springs up from seeming barren plains!
For example, you could like and share this post? You don’t have to. But you could.
When simple, small opportunities arise, be like my friend, Eileen, and choose abundance.
