The Full Creative Work

 

God's Creation is Both Physical and Spiritual

When someone is good at something they like to show off.

There is a podcast from David Spade and Dana Carvey I listen to on occasion. They host former cast members and writers from their SNL days. I imagine they’ll have to start including a fuller ensemble or risk running out of material. But that’s hardly a problem for now. Carvey in particular hasn’t lost his gift for impersonations. He’s objectively good at most of his regulars (Jonny Carson, Lauren Michaels) and falls into voices almost reflexively. He could do nothing but Regis Philbin and I’d laugh every time. He knows he’s good too because he’s relentless with the voices.

His silly vibe is infectious. I can’t imagine he’d rather be anywhere but right where he is recording a podcast.

Natural Talent

It's a natural talent in the same way that a kid discovers that he’s better than everyone else at a thing. Whether football or video game it’s something that distinguishes them from their peers at an early age. This talent is innate but not inexhaustible. No matter how freakish, the talented individual must discover discipline and expand beyond traditional comfort zones. No one gets better without expending their range. Carvey was and is a prodigy. He can’t help himself. When it comes to jokes and impressions, he loves to perform and it shows. We all get to enjoy it along with him.

Is there something Godly in that? What I mean is, when a person finds out what they were meant to do, is it appropriate to consider the talent a calling? I don’t mean a cheat or a grifter, though their talent may be exemplary. But an entertainer who works on delivery to skilled perfection, or a writer who explains a concept in different way? Of course I’m going to get in a plug for the writer. How about a teacher or public speaker?

 Hopefully this isn’t trying to make the profane sacred or trivialize the gifts of God. I guess I’m talking more about a skill, using the instincts, interests and motivations that God put in us.

But when we feel joy in work and satisfaction in completion, that’s from the Heavenly Father.

Innate Gifts

Eric Liddell said it best in the excellent 1981 film Chariots of Fire. “When I run, I feel His pleasure”. That’s not an empty sentiment from a jock trying to explain why he’d can’t be bothered with a life of service. If you remember the movie, Liddell decided before the Olympics to go to China as a missionary. But he wanted to compete first. In the scene where I got the quote he tells his sister, Jenny, that God made him fast for a reason. This highly religious man didn’t have any qualms about competition if the Savior was acknowledged. In the end it was Liddell’s devotion to God that made the biggest difference on the world’s stage.

He understood instinctively the connection between his physical prowess and God’s blessing.

I can’t blame those who think Christian devotion amounts to saying no to fun. Like a monk concerned with planting crops and studying religious texts, the faithful eschew joy as a barbaric pursuit for the secular soul. It’s a misunderstanding God’s full creative work in both spheres of life, physical and spiritual.

We all take the Christ with us wherever we go. From the classically trained pianist performing with a symphony orchestra to the professional basketball player, all who claim Christ must represent Him. It’s a daunting thought made worse when you add the pressure living the perfect life. But we aren’t called to be perfect. We are called to show Jesus to those around us in the way we live. That means to show Christ in whichever way He created you. Run with the talent He gave you. It doesn’t have to be world class. You can be the warmest customer service person at your jewelry store.

Have you shopped anywhere lately and needed help finding something? Customer service is terrible and getting worse. It’s easier than ever to distinguish yourself.

Conclusion

The point is this. We need to be Christians everywhere. We don’t need to exist in a world of sacred and profane and avert our precious eyes when sin is near. It’s all profane. There is no sacred in this world, but Christ did overcome it. We can use our physical talents for His glory in any sphere we find ourselves.

Most of us won’t demonstrate our faith on a grand scale like Eric Liddell. But we are always on display and the joy we get from our talents is a reflection of God’s creative power in our lives. By all means show off and enjoy your developing skills. Just remember to point to the Author of your satisfaction whenever possible.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)