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Listening today I heard someone say, “Busyness is a bid to gain artificial significance.”

We falsely think because we are busy, busy, busy we are important or significant.

But there’s a massive difference between busyness and business. In fact, one of the strategies of the devil is to so fill our cup with cares and furious pursuits we expend all our energy chasing the wind.

“…he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High” (Daniel 7:25 KJV)

Busy is not badge of honor, and God’s pace is not frantic. His fullness comes from a place where we have ceased from our own efforts and we are drawing our energy from the well of faith in our inner man.

When was the last time you stopped and asked the Lord what needs to be shaved from your schedule to make more time for Him?

I can find myself sometimes with a knot of anxiety in my stomach, feeling overwhelmed by the many things I think I need to tend to. It’s like the garden of my mind has overgrown with a thousand weeds overnight and my peace is being choked by the idea that all of the items on the self-made to-do list are equally important.

Of course, in the big picture, few (and dare I say none) of the needs that press for attention are really life-threatening.

Sometimes we have to back off from our own sense of self-importance and recognize that God is the One fighting our battles for us. We are His servants, extending and representing His Kingdom, not building our own empire.

May His grace guide you in peace as you conduct yourself here on earth, and may your focus remain true to your values, not being derailed by the world’s ideas of what’s really valuable.

One of my favorite prayers in the Bible is found in Philippians:

“So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble].” (Philippians 1:10 AMP)

If your heart is troubled and you are weighed down with many inconsequential things (in the big scheme) it may be that you have lost sight of what is really vital, and have inadvertently put your eyes on a prize that can’t deliver what you are seeking.

The things of real value are not something you can buy or trade.

In the words of Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Millburn, AKA The Minimalists, Love People, Use Things: Because the Opposite Never Works .

Never get so caught in the sticky web of busyness that you forget WHY you are working.

No one is immune to setback. Setbacks are normal if you are moving towards your dream. The devil came up with the saying, “one step forward, two steps back,” but really the opposite or better is closer to the truth. If you keep moving forward you will ALWAYS make progress!

Two steps forward, one back, three steps forward, one back, 5 steps forward, two back, 3 steps forward, one back.

Creative momentum is a dance we learn to work with.

The key is to keep moving forward.

Every so-called set back is an opportunity to learn. Even the big swipes that seem to take the legs from under us are pregnant with potential for reinvention.

“Pivoting” has become quite the buzz word in recent years. Rolling with pandemic-induced punches has led many to uncover opportunities they would never have realised had they not been positioned (or pressured) to seek them out.

A “pivot” is a fixed point supporting something that turns or balances, or the central or most important person or thing in a situation.

Jesus is your starting point, your anchor in every area of life. He never changes. His commitment to your victory never wanes. His offer to help is never withdrawn. All things work together for those who believe!

“We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 AMP)

And again…

“Amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.” (Romans 8:37 AMP)

The art of momentum and making things happen requires pivoting prowess, but you can do it because all things are possible to you as a believer. The Scriptures say that you can do all things through Christ who lives in you, infusing your spirit with all of the necessary wisdom to win in any situation.

Archimedes is famous for saying, “Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.”

You faith is the lever that will move any situation, and overcome any discouragement. It sees beyond the battle, and celebrates the victory before the victory is even on the horizon.

Asaph discovered the secret.

In Psalm 73 he shares his despair at the seeming prosperity of the wicked, while he struggled to survive. Comparison-itus gripped his soul and left him wanting…

“But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (Psalm 73:2–3 KJV)

Life can seem so unfair until…

“Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.” (Psalm 73:17 KJV)

Every dip and trough will be filled as sure as tomorrow follows today.

You may be down now, but you will rise.

Your feet may have faltered, but your future is certain.

The fulcrum of your life is not determined by the foolish whims of the world, you are a Kingdom man or woman with an inheritance far greater than any can imagine.

“I am continually with You; You do hold my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel…And I have no delight or desire on earth besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock and firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever… it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.” (Psalm 73:23–28 AMP)

Keep the most important thing the most important thing.

Swing round to the Sanctuary!

One of the stickers for creative people is perfectionism.

Going around and round the same dreary mountain until something is absolutely, flawlessly perfect before sending it out to bless and benefit the world.

I get it. Put your best work out, and don’t compromise.

But the carver who keeps whittling…

And whittling…

and whittling.

Will eventually end up with a matchstick.

There always comes a point in time when enough is enough and fears must be packed away, terror of rejection and reactions must be bottled, and your new baby given wings to fly.

It’s a scary moment, I know.

Many one-star review scars prove my point!

But the journey to five-star fame doesn’t begin on the top of the pile.

Remember the band who played to 9 people in the stinky backroom of a pub in Dublin in 1979. Just a passionate four-piece with a big dream and lots of attitude. Their band name? U2.

Beginning where you are at. Fearlessly starting the journey. And refusing to be discouraged. It’s all part of the creative roadmap.

Embracing Imperfection

Embracing imperfection is an essential skill if you ever want to dive and flourish in the creative sphere.

IMPERFECT

Just do a little jiggle.

IM PERFECT

Finish with a flourish…

I’M PERFECT

Make it a statement not a question…

I’M PERFECT!

And realize that it is your quirks and unique edges that make you who you are. Creativity is not a cookie-cutter enterprise. You are the product that you sell. Your unique unequaled take on the world is precious. It is in your individuality that the value shines brightest.

I love this Scripture…

Eph. 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God…

Looking up the word in the original Greek using Strong’s concordance you find the word manifold means “much variegated, multifarious“.

I won’t lie. I had never heard those words before but they sound great to me. I am just one facet of my Papa’s multifarious wisdom – a glimpse of His endless variegated creative nature glistening in the world.

My unique perspective is not designed to be squeezed into this world’s mold. I was not intended by heaven to be the same as anyone or everyone else. And nor were you.

Some people call them imperfections. I call them features!

Over time I have learned to not only accept but celebrate my quirks. I am who I am and it is the fact that I am different that makes sure my voice and creative output worthy of the world, not the opposite.

If we were all the same, why bother?

Someone else has already blogged about creativity, right? Of course, they have, many thousands of times over. And as for preachers and Bible buffs – well, let’s just say, if sermons could save the world we would be long out of this mess by now, lounging in glory and splashing in the river of life.

But since that’s not the case, and we are still here, I have to decide if I’m going to hide my gifts under a bush and never take the risk, or understand that my unique perspective is the very thing that gives richness and nuance to my writing, or drawing, or singing, or dancing, or acting or cooking or crafting…

Your Mess Is Part Of Your Message

The world is not waiting for perfection.

People are looking for something and someone they can relate to.

They are scanning the horizon for a brave even soul whom they can look upon and say, “Wow, if they can do it, so can I!”

Putting your best self out there (warts and all) gives permission to others to do the same. They feel released stretch their creative wings and have a go.

That’s all I am doing here. Like the baby eagle in the nest, flexing its fluffy feathers, I’ve made the decision that climbing the heights is always preceded by a bit of falling, fumbling and flapping around until you find your rhythm.

But with every beat of my creative wings, I get stronger and more confident.

My beak may be wonky. My plumage a little wild in places.

But friend, I’m flying.

Stretch your creative wings today. Jump from the nest and catch a thermal of inspiration.

The world is waiting for your glorious imperfection.

Proverbs 24 verse 3 teaches, “Wise people are builders”.

Through wisdom a house, life, home, family, and business is built and established. Layer by layer your life is laid, and through professional work habits you prevent poverty taking up residence as your permanent business partner.

The small but fierce epistle of Jude urges you to pray in a manner that impacts every area of life:

“But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 1:20 AMP)

Prayer and practice work hand in hand so your legacy is built to last. Jesus is your business partner, you family counsellor, your spiritual leader, and life coach, all rolled into one.

He is the wisdom of God.

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:30 KJV)

Taking time to press into God’s presence and listen to His direction is the wisest use of time any man or woman can offer, and regular prayer is the best business decision you’ll ever undertake.

The internet hustles people to pant for things that never satisfy. It’s all about faster, bigger, cheaper, easier. The whole thing is built on the beach. You are called to take higher ground, digging deep into the Rock and establishing your life in a way that can rise like and edifice and never be toppled.

Your legacy stretches beyond this life, and while you build here on earth, a residence is being built in Heaven for your occupation. You span two realms, the spiritual and the natural, the eternal and the temporal. Your actions here on earth can be informed by that never-ending reality. Instead of chasing the wind, you can shut out the noise and listen carefully to the Voice of God inside you.

He, the Spirit of wisdom Himself, will direct your steps.

Building sound habits and diligent actions into your daily routine is the key to building. Like a brick in your edifice, each day is another opportunity to lay another stone, establishing further the legacy you will leave.

Don’t be negligent, and catch yourself when you excuse any form of laziness. As a leader your first port of call is your own doorstep. Lead yourself first before leading others. Take inventory of your time, and wisely consider your days.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12 KJV)

Or as the NLT puts it:

“Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” (Psalms 90:12 NLT)

Make passionate prayer, and diligent practical habits, part of your routine. Don’t shy away from change, and embrace diligence and discipline as friendly partners in your endeavours.

Your life is being built on a daily basis.

As you build yourself, you’ll naturally then also be equipped and anointed to build others.

Ideas are exciting. Action is exacting. That’s why people love to swim in the idea pool but are reluctant to dive in the river and fight to harness the currents. The thing is, despite feeling comfortable in the pool, only the river will carry you somewhere.

You have to get your feet wet to feel the thrill, but once you do there’s no turning back.

You are an action taker. That’s why you are here, and that’s why the Holy Spirit is jumping on the inside of you, ready to act on your behalf. The Jordan River, the last barrier to the promised land, stood between God’s people and their promise. All the while they stood on the banks, not a ripple was seen, but the moment they committed their feet the miracle happened.

“As soon as their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream, and the river will stand up like a wall… then all the people crossed over near the town of Jericho.” (Joshua 3:13–16 NLT)

You are looking for a breakthrough, desperate to step into your promise and bring others along with you.

Here’s a key – take a bold step and get your feet wet.

In the water, you’ll see God go to work.

Don’t be intimidated that you can’t see the other side, or that you’re not sure what you’ll find there. God is not asking you to leap the river, He simply says take the first step of faith and allow Him the opportunity to work. Then the next, and the one after that.

Action taking, as scary as it sounds, pushes you out of the kiddie pool.

You’ll also be surprised to discover that people are not so hung up on perfect as you might think. Like you, they understand that technical things sometimes don’t work the way you hope them to. They’ll grasp that you are trying, growing, reaching for better. They are doing the same.

John Maxwell in his book 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership defines leadership as influence.

He says, “Every time I extended myself, took a risk, and succeeded, followers had another reason to trust my leadership ability – and to listen to what I had to say.”

Extending yourself, taking risks, putting your feet in the river, while others stand on the bank, opens up possibilities not just for you but for everyone that follows.

Your role as a business person or leader is one of influence, and the greatest influence you’ll ever have on others will be by your example.

In our example from the book of Joshua, the leaders, the ministers of God, took a step, and “all the people crossed over”.

You are a leader.