A painting by the author. It is called ‘Banele’ - completeness. Photo: Rutendo Gora
A reflection on creation and our call for sustainable creativity
I remember when I started drawing, I drew a lot of inspiration from nature. And as an oil pastel portrait maker, my subjects were people. 1 Corinthians 3:9 was a strong source of inspiration in my early artwork. It says: “For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”
I was marveled by the smile lines that come with joy and the deep nose creases that come with confusion. Isn’t it amazing how the same template of nose, mouth, eyes, cheeks, and skin is made into more than seven billion different variations? This reality never ceases to amaze me. And honestly, what better way to appreciate God’s creation than through art from the greatest artist we know?
God is considered the Creator. This understanding is based on the two Genesis creation narratives (Genesis 1 and 2), where God created the Earth, the waters, and all the creatures, and humans. There is a strong understanding of a God who created. But I also see God as the Artist. God is not one who simply created the world and then left it to run on its own; rather, God continues to create. Creation around us shows how self-sustainable, creative, and intentional the process was and still remains. It’s no mystery how beautiful the world is.
God is not one who simply created the world and then left it to run on its own; rather, God continues to create.
Rutendo Gora, ELCZ
However, we are also faced with situations that are ‘ugly’. How do we make sense of the fact that the Creator is still creating or ‘cooking’ as the kids say these days? How do we see God’s creative hand within the chaos, the mess, and the unpredictability?
Chaos and ugliness also present us with an opportunity to not hide away but be present in the messes. It is an opportunity to be artists who do not just remake a scenario but rather evoke deeper emotions within our viewers that lead to transformation. We are God’s ground staff, as my mentor always says. Therefore, as co-creators with God, we also have a responsibility for how we create memories, create change, and ultimately shape the world around us.
Do we see ourselves as co-creators, and how? What needs in our communities can we contribute to? How has being a Creation of the Greatest Artist impacted how you exist?
God created from nothing (ex nihilo), but we have what God has already made. We have people whose hearts may be broken. We have joy to make and share. We have God’s unconditional love, and from that, we are called to try our best to create love and peace in this world.
This post is part of the monthly LWF Youth theological series called “Global Faith Unfiltered.” It features reflections from young theologians on the most pressing issues and topics across their communities, from a perspective of the priorities highlighted at the 2023 LWF Assembly.
