I read recently that in a research study, one series of I.Q. tests were given to children ages 2 – 4 years. How many children do you think were found to be highly creative with curious, questioning minds and an ability for abstract thinking?
The results were: 95%. Now imagine what happened when the same children were tested again at age 7. Only 5% still demonstrated high levels of creativity. In the ensuing years, they had learned to conform; “If you want to get along, you had better go along,” is what they had discovered. (Brian Tracy)
The curse of creativity is conformity.
I want to challenge to think outside of the box. If you continue to stay inside the lines and never venture out to try something different, you will never achieve your greatest dreams.
When Starla and I decided to plant our very first church, this was definitely, “drawing outside of the lines.” We had never planted a church before. We had never been a part of a church plant. We had never known anyone who had planted a church. We were completely stepping into unknown territory. We were wading into waters that were unfamiliar to both of us.
If we had let our past determine our next steps, we would never have planted our first church or our next. If we had relied only on what was familiar or comfortable we never would have launched out. If we had depended on what was secure and appeared to be more stable, we never would have leaned into God and taken this huge step of faith.
Are you living in conformity or in creativity? Are you drawing outside of the lines or are you safely staying in your lane. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting reckless behavior, but rather adventurous living.
Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God…”
Now go dream, create and live up to your great potential. The word of the day is creativity.