Our Intelligent Designer

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 (NIV)

              I watched my fourth-grade student completely disengage from the social studies lesson. He drew something then used his hands to reenact whatever battle scene he was drawing. He typically participated, so I decided to let him stay in his own world a little longer. Honestly, I was curious about what he was drawing. After fifteen minutes, I walked behind him and silently observed. A cartoon masterpiece was taking place before my eyes. Beautifully illustrated characters and scenes with dialogue and humor. This kid had a gift.

              Instead of reprimanding him, I pulled up a chair and asked him to tell me about his drawing. He was creating a comic book about world domination and the good guy superhero was coming in to save the day. I examined each drawing and gave him encouraging feedback that would spark his desire to continue. But after building him up, I followed with a challenge to only draw once he was done with all his assignments or on his lunch break. He sheepishly grinned and nodded. And he never drew while I was teaching again.

              His creative ability reminds me that God designed our minds with great intention. God, the Intelligent Designer, modeled creativity as he spoke each part of our world into existence. Heavens, earth, light, dark, land, sea, sun, moon, animals, birds, male, and female. Each part he created with precision and definition unlike anything the human mind can comprehend. Every created thing is also different from the other—all unique.

              The first mention of God is in Genesis 1:1. “In the beginning, God created.” The Hebrew name for this first reference to God is Elohim. The Creator God. Isn’t it fitting that he also gave us amazing minds, different Intelligences, and desires for us to reach the world through our unique creative abilities? Writers. Crafters. Painters. Actors. Engineers. Singers. Teachers. Each made in the likeness of Elohim. Our Creator God.

              Elohim desires for us to use our beautiful minds—that he designed—to create. But he also desires us to teach our students how to do the same. Publish. Construct. Generate. Perform. Fabricate. Compose. Produce. We aren’t here to be knots on logs and waste the desires he has purposed in our hearts. As each sunset is like no other, each of us, including our students, is like no other. We all come from different lives, bringing unique skills, and varied perspectives.

What would happen if each person tapped into their special, God-given Intelligence? And what would happen if they acted on their gifting only for the honor and glory of God?

Colossians 3:23 (CSB) says, “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.”

What if we, as teachers, planned every lesson in prayer before the Lord? And then gave our classrooms to Elohim, our Intelligent Designer, to be used for his purposes and glory?       

Do the Heart Work

1.      Do you ask God to help you when you are planning and creating your lessons?

2.      What are some ways you can encourage your students to be their own person and act in their individual Intelligence and gifting?

3.      What are some creative activities you like to include in your lessons?

Digging Deeper

              Read the following verses about God’s creativity. After reading these, consider how God has gifted you in the creative department. How can you foster that creativity this week?

1.      For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 6:10 (NLT)

2.      And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze,  to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts. Exodus 35:31-33 (NIV)

3.       For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20 (NIV)

4.      Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8 (NIV)

If You Get Spare Time 

              Create something that makes your soul smile. Draw. Paint. Write. Stitch. Sing. Play. Dance. And as you engage, think about the intricate detail our Elohim used to create each of us.