If you are a regular reader of mine, you probably know I enjoy HGTV and DIY programs. But I have rarely enjoyed one as much as a recent program I saw.

I’ve often said that one of the greatest indicators we were made in God’s image is that human beings love to create.

I watched a show about a man who literally created islands out of used plastic bottles.

We were created to create

Before God did anything else, he created the heavens and the earth.

Next, God made all kinds of creatures. (I would like to have a conversation about a few of those!)

Finally, God made people, in his image.

People have been creating things, both good and bad, since that time.

Creating treasure from trash

The average American creates 4.5 pounds of trash each day, and about 13 percent of that is made of plastic. A man by the name of Richart Sowa decided to do something with the plastic people threw away. One hundred thousand bottles later, Sowa had the foundation for his floating island, which he covered with sand, vegetation, and a home.

To be fair, Joysxee Island was actually his fourth attempt. Let’s just say Caribbean hurricanes have not been kind to his creations.  

Joysxee Island has three beaches, a beautiful house, even a solar-powered waterfall, a small river, a wave-powered washing machine, and solar panels. He has planted a vegetable garden and fruit trees, and he collects fresh rainwater for showers, etc.

Honestly, you should watch the show. It was fascinating and, who knows, we might own our own floating island someday! It’s nice to think those plastic bottles I keep tossing might have a future use.  

Beachfront property has always been a lucrative business. Fisher Island is a man-made island in the Miami area. You can’t reach that island without a boat or a helicopter. Former presidents and Oprah have owned condos there. Unfortunately, the average price per condo is about $4.3 million.

I’ve got a better chance of collecting a hundred thousand used water bottles!

A Creative Genius

I bet you have never noticed a Bible hero by the name of “Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah” (Exodus 35:30).

Bezalel was a craftsman who was chosen to help create the important items found in the original tabernacle of Moses. Moses told the Israelites, “He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze” (Exodus 35:31–32).  

If someone’s name is in the Bible, that person matters!

Bezalel made the pages of Exodus because of his creativity, which was inspired by the Spirit of God. We are made in God’s image, and God is a Creator. In fact, He is the Creator.

You are gifted to create

What does God’s creative Holy Spirit inspire in you?

You are made in God’s image. If you are reading these words, you are likely a Christian. Therefore, you have been given God’s creative spirit to indwell you. What is God creating, through you?

I wish I had thought about putting plastic bottles in nets to create an island.

I wish I had invented that smiley-face sponge on Shark Tank.

I wish I had invented a lot of things. I invent “rows of words.” I invent questions for Bible study. I invent messages to speak. Or rather, I try to allow the Holy Spirit to invent those things through me.

I don’t know what the Holy Spirit creates in you, but I do know you were created, and gifted, to create.

What will the Holy Spirit who fills us with “skill, intelligence, knowledge and craftsmanship” create through you this week?

If it is a floating island, I want to visit. If it is a great meal, I want to eat it. If it is an amazing book, I want to read it. If the Holy Spirit creates it through you, it has great value.

Consider how the Lord has gifted you. You were made in his image which means you are creative.

Share what the Holy Spirit creates through you, and you will share the Creator at the same time. No man is an island, but too many are trying to live on one, alone and separated from God. We are surrounded by people who need to know their Creator loves them. Whatever else the Lord inspires us to do, we know we can create brothers and sisters in Christ.  

King David prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

Let’s share his prayer today.