Creativity Defined

Before we can go further in our discussion of creativity, we need to break down what it actually is. I think many of us struggle to view ourselves as creative because we don’t think we are artistic. Art brings to mind images of beautiful paintings or handicrafts, something which many of us don’t excel at making. But creativity goes much deeper than artistry. 

Dictionary.com defines it as the following: “the state or quality of being creative; the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination.” If we break down this definition we can see four distinct parts, which I want to unpack today.

1. Creativity is the “state or quality of being creative.” Let’s go back to high school English class for a moment and now define “creative”: “having the power to bring something new into being, as a creature, or to evolve something original from one’s own thought or imagination, as a work of art or invention.” Here we see the aspect of creating as it relates to our Heavenly Creator; remember we create because we are made in the image of the Creator.

2. Creativity is “the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like.” I think this aspect of creativity is one that we probably use every single day, yet we may not recognize it as creativity at the time. How many “problems” did you solve today? I’m betting you used creativity to do it. Think of any successful person and you’re going to see someone who “transcends traditional ideas,” in other words, someone who goes against the norm. And notice how this lines up with who we are called to be according to Scripture: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). I feel like I’ve been quoting this Scripture a lot here lately, but it’s only because the ideas in it are so needed for Christians today. If we follow the “traditional ideas, rules, patterns, and relationships” of the world, we will miss out on this renewing of our mind and won’t be able to discern the will of God. Let’s hit pause on the world’s narrative and fill our minds with God’s instead (through His Word and prayer), because only then can we transcend the world and live for Him.

3. Creativity is “the ability…to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.” Notice how all of these definitions are coming back to ideas. Creativity is less about what we do, and more about how we think. Those thoughts will most likely lead to creative action (perhaps this is where we crossover to art?), but there can be no real creativity without “meaningful ideas.” Also observe that we are looking at “forms, methods, and interpretations.” I’m just going to quickly point out that one of the best ways for our kids to create all four of these things is through reading and discussing good books with you, their parents. If you’ve ever been to a book club, consider how your thoughts were different after the group discussion of the book; and it’s not just your thoughts about the book itself– I’ve never left a book club meeting without looking at something in my life from a new perspective, whether it’s culture, parenting, what it means to be a Godly woman, or the effect of history on the present. The same thing happens for our kids when we discuss good books together. 

4. Creativity is “originality, progressiveness, or imagination.” One of the greatest gifts of my childhood was imagination; I may not use it in the same way as an adult, but I engage with it every time I build with blocks with one of my kids, or discuss what we are seeing on a walk, or when we share a favorite story together. Imagination is necessary for us to be successful adults, arguably even Godly parents, because without it we can’t fathom that life will be different than it is now. How can we prayerfully hope for our children to follow the Lord someday? How can we comprehend that our loved one who is gone is really in Heaven? I know some Christians will balk at this, but imagination is necessary for all these things, for every aspect of faith. Also, let’s consider the importance of originality for our children; I don’t want to raise kids who are chameleons, who change their beliefs, personality, and tastes to reflect someone else’s. I also don’t want them to believe and live a certain way simply because I do; I want them to own their faith, to own their ideals, to own their values. What would it be like if we let our kids be their own original selves, if we didn’t try to fit them in the world’s box, but let them grow into their own unique persons? 

Hopefully, you’re seeing how necessary creativity, with all of its many layers,  is for all of us and are getting excited to encourage it in your children (and maybe yourself, too!). Friday we will be looking at why creativity has to be taught in the home (and yes, it applies no matter your schooling choice).