The Word Made Fresh

Creativity is a word that Peterson used throughout his text. This word is music to my ears. It was not by accident that this section, The Word Made Fresh-Poets and Pastors interested me the most. I am a published poet and poetry has allowed me to reach out and touch people beyond my physical touch. I have a gift for creativity and understand the need to use old words in a fresh way. Now, this section is at the end of the book and I believe it is a fitting end because it sums up the stated or implied importance of creativity. Reading Peterson’s book is like poetry; each chapter speaks to each reader in a different way. As one reads the poems at the end, it is easy to see how poetry speaks a language of its own. I have often been asked to interpret my poems for others. When this request is made, I usually say, “It is not what it means to me but what it means to you.” Reading poetry is like reading the Scriptures; each time you read it the Spirit may send a different message or word for the reader to ponder. The use of poetry is just a creative way to awaken the Spirit of God in the hearts of seekers. It draws them into the process of spiritual direction by forcing the seeker to answer the question, “What is this saying to me on my journey?” Whether in classrooms, pulpits, workshops or day-to-day living, poetry has been a creative and useful tool that has accompanied me on my journey. I believe that through poetry the Word of God can be presented in a fresh, non-threatening way making it easier to receive. I believe that poetry is a tool that can open the window of the soul so that the Spirit of God can enter in and perhaps, stay awhile.
I believe creativity, regardless of the form, is the conduit through which receptivity can be achieved. I agree with Peterson that creativity is hard work. It is a lot of work to sit down and say, “How can I prepare this sermon or lesson where the majority will listen and comprehend the message?” “How can I schedule my time as to be more available to the seekers?” Jesus taught in parables as a means to connect to the listener-to simplify the message. The relevant question is “Isn’t making a connection with the seeker the goal of the pastor or leader?” How can we possibly engage in spiritual direction without a proper connection? As pastors strive to impart the Word of God to seekers, creativity becomes an ongoing activity. Is this subversive activity? Sure.
I like Columbo but Jessica Fletcher, a fictional character, featured in the series, Murder, She Wrote, is one of my favorite solvers of crimes because of the creative way that she does it. She is a poet in my opinion. Although she is an author of mystery books, her demeanor does not boast. She approaches crime solving as an everyday occurrence—offering assistance where needed. Jessica can pleasantly uncover the guilt of someone whom she has befriended prior to the crime and they will thank her at the end of the movie. The secret to her success is that she connects with individuals in a non-threatening way. When she confronts them about their guilt, they are caught off guard. If we impart the Word of God in a fresh non-threatening way, maybe more seekers will thank us as they repent of their sin and become followers of Christ.
2. More often than not I have discovered that when I can’t fix a problem/person/program, it may have to stay broken and I must look for alternatives. My mother used to say, “Child you can’t fix everything. Some things will have to stay broken.” God is the Creator and ultimate fixer of everything. When I am confronted with people, problems or programs that I cannot fix, I point it in the direction of the Holy Spirit—prayer. I look for God in the midst of it all. Perhaps, I was trying to do it in my own power. The bottom line is, the fixing may not come through me. My job may be one of learning how to live with brokenness and to teach others to do the same. Following the direction of the Holy Spirit becomes paramount when dealing with brokenness. I yield to it.
3. Being “unbusy,” subversive, & apocalyptic mean being creative to me as a Christian leader. As Peterson wrote, these three are vital in the pastor’s ministry. When we become available (unbusy), then we can uncover what is at the core and plant the seed of the Spirit (subversive) in order to reveal what God has in store for his people (apocalyptic). All of this takes place utilizing creative means. As leaders we must become unshackled from the things of the world that keep us from meeting the spiritual needs of the people and even ourselves. What do you think?