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Michael Fox CPCC,
founder of m�agine!,
is a professional
coach and trainer,
author and creative artist, whose work has been featured throughout
the world.
Michael is a
Certified Practitioner
of the
Myers-Briggs
Type Indicator.�
Do you know someone
who might benefit
from our weekly email?
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"I have absolutely no creativity."
The friend who confessed this perception is a professional bean counter, a Certified Public Accountant, who labors in the seemingly black and white world of forms and figures. In spite of his self-assessment, he is regarded as one of the finest accountants in the area. His integrity and expertise have attracted a large client�le to his successful firm--clients who would testify otherwise to his creativity. Like most people, however, my friend assumes creativity is limited to the rarefied air of artists and bohemians. Such an unfortunate misperception robs men and women, who are indeed gifted in their discipline, of the sense of discovery and satisfaction their creativity merits.
To the child of God--the God "who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring, who gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to those who walk in it" [Isaiah 42:5]--a sense of creativity brings even greater satisfaction; for the believer, impassioned by a life of creative discovery--whether he be a painter, a composer or, yes, even an accountant-reflects in his life and ingenuity the very image of the Creator of the heavens and earth. Indeed, to anyone who seeks to become complete in Christ, the quest itself offers the opportunity to think and act creatively-to live life with a sense of awe and "aha."
Unfortunately, not all believers have discovered the creative passion that can be theirs in pursuit of a relationship with God. What is creativity, and how can it impact the lives of those who seek a meaningful relationship with their Creator? Creativity is often defined as "thinking outside the box." Although an abstract painter may be admired as a visionary, the value of an abstract philosopher is thought
to be somewhat equal to a wilderness guide with neither a sense of direction nor a compass. The quest in search of a relationship with God is necessarily a quest for truth; and truth, by its very nature, is neither relative nor subjective. If creativity were indeed thinking outside the box, there would be, in the strictest sense, little room for creativity in the pursuit of truth and a relationship with God.
In reality, however, creative thought is better defined as "thinking inside the box"; for all creativity, regardless of the discipline, must acknowledge and respect limitations. A painter is limited by the size of his canvas, his palette of color and his ability to communicate the vision of his imagination; only then can he blend stroke with color to create art that inspires. A composer must not only possess the heart of a poet, but also the mind of a mathematician to comprehend the rigid structure and limitations of music theory; only then can she create music-music that only feels spontaneous and without form, music that gives wings to our spirits. And the accountant is certainly limited by his personal integrity, his fiscal experience and his understanding of numerous laws and regulations--local, state and Federal; only then can he effectively, and honestly, offer creative solutions that will contribute to his clients' prosperity.
When confronted with the transgression of man, the Creator Himself faced limitations, but responded creatively. God's own holy character, His sense of integrity and justice, demanded the death of the transgressor. "The soul who sins will die" [Ezekiel 18:4]. But, respecting the limitations, He offered His own Son as a substitute, a propitiation, for the transgressions of men--thus satisfying His own limitations while allowing the soul who sins to live [Romans 3:21-31]. He thought inside the box.
Creativity then, contrary to popular assumption, is not an "anarchy" of thought and behavior. The artist, the teacher, the businessman, any in whom the creative spark ignites, must think and act within his or her limitations--"the box." In fact, the more severe the limitations, the more we value the creative solution. Consequently, the believer who pursues a covenant relationship with God--subject to the parameters of truth, character and ministry defined by the covenant--does indeed have tremendous potential for creative discovery, thinking inside the box.
Further, the paradigm through which a believer views his covenant relationship with God can affect the quality of his entire life including his character, his profitability and his relationships with God and neighbor.
A believer may view his limitations with fear, anxious of the possibility he or his fellows may, even unwittingly, move beyond the box-beyond the limitations of the covenant. Consequently, his life may be defined by his limitations rather than by his creative potential. He is likely to perceive the limitations of his covenant relationship with God as "exclusive" in nature: he may focus upon the behavior that is excluded and even upon the people that are excluded. He is apt to view others with suspicion and mistrust.
In contrast, the same believer--with an identical respect for the limitations imposed by his covenant relationship with God--may respond creatively. He acknowledges the limitations; he respects them; he is empowered by them. He perceives these limitations as providing an effective, divinely--appointed environment in which to worship, live and serve creatively--within the box. Boundaries? Certainly. Potential? Unbounding! He is more likely to perceive the limitations of his covenant relationship with God as "inclusive" in nature: he is apt to focus upon the opportunity that his limitations may afford and the people to whom it affords opportunity. He is likely to be characterized by peace, patience, generosity and even a child-like wonder. He learns to think creatively; with respect to his limits, he learns to think inside the box.
Where's the place in life where you feel most bound by your limitations? What's a new perspective, thinking "inside the box"? What's possible?
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Michael Fox
m�agine!
530/613.2774
P.O. Box 9144
Auburn, CA, USA 95604
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In addition to personal and professional coaching,
m�agine! specializes in spiritual transformation coaching,
employing its proprietary models
--Values, Vision, Voice and Heart, Soul, Mind & Strength--
as well as
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator� curriculum
published by CPP, the People Development People.
Michael's books include
Complete in Christ,
Complete in Christ Spiritual Transformation Workbook,
and Biblio�files.
Coaching fees are based upon a sliding scale. Contact us for details.
Limited scholarships are available for spiritual transformation coaching.
On the flip side, if you are able, please inquire about opportunities
to fund scholarships for those who cannot afford coaching fees.
View our archives!
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