How to make your creative life more interesting as a Christian

Sometimes I look at artists of the world and they just seem more interesting than Christian artists. The things they produce feel more cool and creative.

It can be a real struggle as a Christian artist to keep a good perspective on our craft, and not get jealous or swayed to create for the world and not for Jesus.

I think the number one thing that bores me about Christian music or books, is it feels like they’re all the same, it feels like I know the lyrics already, like the storyline is predictable. I want to experience something different. But Christian art is not all the same and generic. Christian art can be the most creative and unique stuff out there. It’s up to us God loving creatives to make sure it is.

It’s difficult to stay upbeat and enthusiastic about our craft all the time. There will be dry seasons, and times when creativity doesn’t even feel colourful. It’s up to us as individuals to keep the Spirit burning new inspiration within us, and to encourage others when possible.

I’ve thought up some ways we can add that bit of pizzazz to our creative life as followers of God.

1: Paint to worship music

Let the worship music lead your painting, and let loose wherever your brush wants to go. Even if painting is something you don’t usually do, playing with colours, shapes, and textures is a great way to inspire ourselves for what we it is we’re trying to do (as well as it being super therapeutic, I find!).

2: Write a poem about what God has been teaching you

Reflecting on His faithfulness is never a bad idea. As you write, be honest, real, and authentic. Messy details are best, and also anything that’s thought provoking and a bit edgy.

3: Buy a stage outfit

This is a bit more of a fun and silly idea, but try on your wardrobe (or go shopping) and see if you can create an outfit that you’d wear on stage to a show you might perform. Or perhaps it’s what you’d wear to your first book signing. Dreaming big and looking forward to God’s future wins is a way to be uplifted and to show our trust in Jesus, that Ge can do big things. (I want to add that God calls some of us to private ministries that never get crowd attention – big stages, lots of fans etc. – but dreaming big and then giving it over to God is beautiful).

4: Complete a small project and give it away

Sometimes the big projects we’re working on can feel like they’re never going to finish. Choose one of the smallest things possible and finish it. This could be a poem, a song, a verse, a miniature painting or drawing – anything you can finish in an hour or so. Once completed, choose someone to gift it to. Giving away the fruits of our creativity reminds us that they aren’t really ours, but Jesus’. Perhaps you think a neighbour would appreciate your gift, or perhaps a faraway friend.

5: Include the Bible in whatever you’re doing

The Word of God is a powerful gift our King has given His children…to use. Whether this means intertwining verses through the novel you’re working on, creating artwork with written verses within, or singing the Psalms, it can all help add purpose to what we’re doing.

6: Make a list about Jesus

Think of all the things you could do with Jesus today if He were here in person. Maybe this would look like a hike in the mountains, or going to the mall, perhaps you’d want to take a trip to the playground and play on the swings, what would be your pick? After writing down your ideas, choose one. Yes, although Jesus isn’t here in physical form, He is very much here with you in Spirit. He wants to do life with you just as much as if He were your best friend. So go out and do these things with Him right there beside you. Just spending time in our Creator’s presence can inspire us creatively.

7: Have a Jam session

I know that jamming out on instruments is usually something you do with other people. But I have full experience of being the only musical person in my house…and it doesn’t mean you miss out on the jamming. Play around with notes, get bluesy, get jazzy, get rock and rolly. Whatever your jam is, jam. See how high you can sing, and then how low. See how fast you can sing a run, and then how slow.

8: Get yourself some new supplies

This one is a bit naughty, as I’m not much of an enthusiast for spending money. But if you somewhat need them, why not invest in some supplies. Maybe there’s a particular thing you’ve been wanting, or something new you’ve been wanting to try. Having new supplies or tools to play around with usually helps inspire me to get stuck in. Buy the pencils or markers, the notebook, the binder, the capo, the instrument.

9: Be outrageous and do something different

Doing something different could shock you, could horrify you, could surprise you. Who knows what might happen if I tried to write a punk song when I usually write soft folk? I’m not sure I want to think about it, but I am sure it would be interesting! Do something outrageously different and new in your craft. Release something that is a surprise, push your imagination and create in a unique way to you.

10: Collaborate with someone

Doing something with someone else, and sharing the experience is a special and valuable thing. If there’s one thing it will do, it’ll make you work in a different way to normal. Not only that, but you’ll have the creativity of an entire nother person to bounce off of. Collaboration is a great way to add some extra energy to your creative life.

Pick and choose which of these ideas will boost your creativity the most and go for it! Or maybe just try them all!