10 Bible Verses on Creativity

As Christian creatives we may often feel guilty about our creativity. Especially if our art isn’t considered prophetic or if we create art for both pleasure and financial resources instead of only for worship. So here are

10 Bible verses on creativity

that we can read to see that God created us in his image as creatives:

1. Genesis 1:1 WEB
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

What else is there to say? I love how the first five words of the Bible are “In the beginning, God created.”  Creativity is born into us and each of us are creatives, if not all in exactly the same way. God’s love is vast and beautiful, diverse and immense, so why would our talents not be as diverse and beautiful? We are all creative!

2. Genesis 1:21 WEB
God created the large sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed, after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind. God saw that it was good.

The act of creating is good. We cannot think that everything we create will be “perfect” because we are human, not God; we’re not meant to be perfect. So we should not hold ourselves to the ideal of perfection when we create. That is a threshold God never intended us to try to reach, so let go of perfection when you create, and create with joy instead. Aim for “good,” not perfect.

3. Genesis 1:27 WEB
God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.

We were each created in God’s image, and as God is the ultimate creator, we are his “mini-creators,” born to create whether it is art, poetry, buildings, baking, spreadsheets … anything that is made is made because God first created us.

4. Genesis 2:4-5 (NLT)

This is the account of the creation of the heavens and the earth. When the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, neither wild plants nor grains were growing on the earth. For the Lord God had not yet sent rain to water the earth, and there were no people to cultivate the soil.

When I read this verse, I’m reminded of the artist facing the blank canvas, author facing the blank page, or crafter about to begin a project where the first piece has yet to be cut. There is nothing but possibility, and all the work to be done. It can either feel overwhelming or it can feel exhilarating. Make the choice to feel exhilarated!

5. Genesis 5:1 WEB
This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, he made him in God’s likeness.

Keep in mind that the use of “man” and “he / him” here refers to humankind in general (see next verse), only the Bible was scribed by males and that was the way it was written in the day. We are all created in the image of God, and with his spirit of creativity. That seed is in all of us; with a little care and watering we can grow our creativity into the blessing God intends for us.

6. Genesis 5:2 WEB
He created them male and female, and blessed them. On the day they were created, he named them Adam.

See? Here we are with both sexes, and that each of us are blessed. Referring back to Genesis 5.1 we were created, we are made in the image of God, and therefore are also creative. That’s why I try to dissuade people from saying “I’m not creative,” because we were all born creative. We may not be natural artists, which is different than “creative” — creativity is in writing, building, medical arts, drafting, coding, serving — anything you can think of has a seed of creativity. Trust that God knew what he was doing when he created us as creatives, and let that side of you grow.

7. Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.

As creatives (in any format) we can often get down on ourselves. We feel we’re not as good as others, not as productive, not as bright, talented, etc. We often feel “less than” others, which can lead to anger, envy, greed, or even walking away from our talents and blessings. That is where this reminder comes in —

we are God’s workmanship through Jesus, reborn, renewed, and dearly loved.

Trust in that when we feel less than we should.

8. Colossians 1:16

For by him all things were created in the heavens and on the earth, visible things and invisible things, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things have been created through him and for him.

There is no song written that hasn’t been sung before; no note played, no painting painted, no book written or story told that hasn’t been played, painted or told before. Nothing is new on earth, but everything is brand new each day. All things were created from God, and each act of creation is for God. Honour your creative talents, whatever they may be, because creating in itself is an act of honouring and worshipping God.

Trust in him, because he loves us.

9. Revelation 4:11
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, the Holy One, to receive the glory, the honor, and the power, for you created all things, and because of your desire they existed and were created!”

If you ever question whether you are here for a reason, this is the answer. We were created because of God’s desire for us to exist. That is a wonderful blessing and purpose for us to be here, if for nothing else than that it makes God smile to know that we are here. Everything from the universe, from the largest galaxy to the tiniest particle is here because of his desire; we are part of that glorious creation, too. So don’t despair if you can’t figure out “why” or what your purpose is; just create and live life with joy.

Exodus 35:31-33 NLT

The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft.

This is a popular verse among creatives which shows that God’s spirit flows through us in our creativity. If no other verse spoke to you, hopefully this one will. We are created beings, and we are creative beings. Embrace your creativity and live the joyful life of making things that make you happy. Beautiful, pretty, lovely, well-crafted things, in whatever medium you choose. The beginning steps won’t always be easy, but each step will get us closer to being more skilled in whatever craft or art we choose to pursue. Trust God to guide you.

Thank you for reading this list of 10 Bible verses on creativity. I hope you find them encouraging and instructive, and use them to grow your own creative practice everyday. See? Christian creativity isn’t all about prophetic art and giving art away. If you’re interested in other resources, check out my blog on 10 books on creativity, or pick up my book Yes! I Am Creative! Six Keys to Creativity for anyone who thinks “I’m Not Creative”