Most of us have things we are passionate about & abilities we seek to develop be it music, sport, public speaking, writing, painting, or some other artistic talent, but how we use the gifts we have been given and channel our God-given talents is more important than we realise, especially when we start to influence others, and our skills impact those around us.

I was at a very large gathering this week, and as I watched those on the stage, and the effect they had on their audience, I questioned what I was really part of. Those in public ministry can lose sight of who they are there for, and when God gives us a platform, there is a lot of responsibility involved. Reaching out is more important than feeling good, and as Chester and Timmis wrote in a booklet about building church - ‘The greatest worship we can offer God is to gather more worshippers.’

Creativity is part of being human, and I’ve just started a fascinating book called ‘The Gift’ by Lewis Hyde. It’s strapline ‘How the creative spirit transforms the world’ is inspiring, and yet we can choose whether the transformation we seek honours the Creator or the created. Poignant songs or beautiful paintings move and inspire us, but even more so when we honour the One who created the voice and formed the hands that held the brush.

‘You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honour and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being.’ Revelation 4:11