Age group: high school
Key texts: James 2: 14-26; Matt 13:3; 1 Cor 12:8-11; John 14:6
Material needed: Paper; pencils; crayons; paper bags; common objects such as cotton ball, twigs, candy, piece of leather, string, a flower, a paper clip, etc.
Introduction: Did you know that your brain is most active when you daydream? In fact, your brain is SIX times more active when you daydream than when you are studying at school! This is so because you need time out—to be alone and inactive—to give yourself the opportunity to think of fresh ideas, capture them, and make them productive. While you daydream, let yourself be gullible. Never think, “This idea is too stupid to bother with.” Instead, ask, “What if?” or “Is there another way?” Attending a meeting out of town, two men found themselves alone and bored one night. One bought a tub of ice cream to share with the other. But there was a problem: no spoons. Then came creativity to the rescue: The men found a shoehorn that played the role of a spoon that night!
Activity: a) Option 1: Give each class member a piece of paper on which to draw a symbol, icon, or picture that describes his or her special giftedness and talents. Have each share their drawing and an explanation of it with the rest of the class. If the class members are familiar with one another, encourage others to highlight the talents of other members. b) Option 2: To each class member, give a brown paper bag that has a commonly used object (such as cotton ball, twigs, candy, piece of leather, string, a flower, a paper clip, etc.). Using the object in the bag, have each class member give a brief 30-second object lesson on creativity.
Bible Study: a) Option 1: Divide the class into groups. Have each group rewrite a biblical parable for today’s society and culture. Encourage the group to follow the sequence of events and Jesus’ words in connection to the parable. b) Option 2: Divide the class into groups. Have each group find a biblical example of creative problem solving from which to list key points that can be used in similar situations today.
Discussion Questions:
- What are some practical things you can do to make your “daydreaming” time one that is creatively productive for the Lord?
- What does the use of symbols reveal about God’s character?
- How does the creativity of Bible writers make Scripture easier or enjoyable to read?
- How does God’s creation illustrate his creativity?
- How does the gift of creativity enrich our lives?
- Why was Jesus creative when telling parables?
- How can we use our creativity to praise God?
- Why did God give us creativity?
Conclusion: First tell this anecdote: The movie Chariots of Fire is about a young missionary named Eric, whom God blessed with the talent to run like the wind. When his sister tried to discourage him from running races, he answered with these unforgettable words: “God made me for a purpose and God made me fast. And when I run, I feel God’s pleasure.” In his heart Eric was a runner. When he ran, he was more creative for God then any other time. Then, pass out note cards on which each member writes his or her “creation” story. Each story will begin with the following words and continues with a list of each one’s talents and spiritual giftedness: And then God created (class member’s name). He said, ‘In (class member’s name) let there be . . . . (list of talents)
Says Fyl 