This Ted Talk resonates with me in many ways. I'm passionate about ideas concerning creativity, genius, inspiration, and wisdom. Of course, as a Christian, I know what this "elusive" Source is that, rather who, defies definition by people without God, or believe only in something that can't be explained, such as an energy, or have barely a loose understanding of Him. There's much more to Him than moral rules, principles, guidelines, prophecy, and physical healing.
Ted Talk - Elizabeth Gilbert - Your Elusive Creative Genius
God wants to reveal Himself in many ways because He wants people to notice Him. Why? Is it for bragging rights? Is it merely to bring glory and honor to Himself? No. It's because He has a uniquely special and personal message for us, and He wants to capture our attention so that we'll listen.
This particular Ted Talk reminded me of the verses that describe Scripture as God-breathed or given by the inspiration of God (2 Tim 3:16-17), depending on the translation. He is not elusive, from the humble, that is. For He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6), and we are to seek Him and His righteousness before all the temporal things of this world (Matt 6:33).
What's amazing is He has blessed us with the responsibility of ambassadorship. He has privileged us with the joy of being a part of His plan. He loves us so much, by including us in the process, we see with the eyes of our hearts the power of His amazing grace. He wants us to share in the glory of His Son, to comprehend the riches of our inheritance in the saints, to rejoice with Him like the Father of the prodigal son, and sing with the angels in heaven, when even a single sinner repents and believes.
Furthermore, we are no longer children tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, but rather speak the truth in love, (Eph 4:11-16) when as believers we finally come to understand what is the Father's plan and what is our role in it, and then get comfortably fitted with His armor (Eph 6:11-20). When we are fitted with His armor and use it, by application we can experience the working of His great power within us to His ends. And when we experience this power, His power working through us to His good pleasure, suffering takes on a whole new meaning, and we welcome the opportunity to share in Christ's suffering, to die to self, and to live for Him.
We are given this honor by grace, a true gift from God, working through faith when we put on the shoes of peace, and courageously carry the scroll of His will on our tongues to any who would listen, or in my case, read.
But if He is doing all these things, what is our job? To just show up. Like Mary choosing the better thing than Martha, we need to listen to God speaking. Writers like Elizabeth Gilbert might be confident in thinking this "elusive creative genius" is a "glimpse of God" and shout "Olé!" But, she seems clueless as to why God would share a glimpse of Himself. It was less about eating, praying, and loving, in the world, and more about paying attention to the burning bush in her heart. It reminds me to be intentional and diligent in seeking Him, step 1 of which is just showing up to hear Him through Scripture.
Lastly, why Scripture? Simple, John 17:17. We shall be sanctified by the truth, and His word is truth. It's everything we need. It's everything He wants to say to us. We don't get our special calling in isolation. His calling for us is already described in the word of truth. Where we show up is important. I believe that means reading and writing, Scripture and prayer, and then exercising the courage to share His desires, love, and plan.
:-Dwight