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Creative Faith
1 Samuel 17:38-39 'Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. "I cannot go in these," he said to Saul, "because I am not used to them." So he took them off.' (NIV)
 So many Christians today do exactly what David refused to do when he went out to face Goliath – they wear someone else's armour. They follow popular trends, or use methods they've seen others use, thinking that these things will bring them success for God. But faith requires that you throw off Saul's armour and discover God's unique path for you. True faith is always aligned with creativity. It won't let you just sit back and copy someone else's way of doing things. Howard Hendricks wrote that the tombstones of many Christians will read, 'I came. I saw. I concurred.' Faith can't carry us to great heights unless we throw off the heavy baggage of complacency and comfort, unless we take risks. Robert W. Olson wrote: 'Ultimately all creativity springs from curiosity.' David had a child-like curiosity about him. He didn't want to fall back on the 'tried-and-proven' methods of others. He wanted to show what God could do through him, using his own unique skills and experiences. He wasn't ego-tripping; he was giving God room to move in his situation. He was making sure that when the victory came it wouldn't be because he'd borrowed another man's strength. Would the story of David and Goliath have been as significant if David had fought in Saul's armour or with sword and spear that day? I don't think so.
Prayer: 'Lord, the easiest thing to do sometimes is to take on the armour of someone else. I want to learn as much as I can from the wisdom of other people, but I know that there'll be times when you'll want me to do things in unique ways, just because you're so creative. Help me to stand on what you've shown me and see Goliaths come down.'
© 2003-2004 Mal Fletcher
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EDGES is very helpful and informative from the Bible's point of view. Do please keep up the good work.
Annie, India
Mal, did you start out as a journalist? You are one of the most naturally gifted writers whose works I have had the pleasure of reading. I just love your succinct way of delivering words that paint a captivating picture.
Jim, Australia
Thank you for your ministry. It encourages me to be bold, thoughtful and courageous about my faith.
Jason, Australia
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