An Open Letter to Creatives Part 1

Dear Friend,

As we cross into the second half of the year, GodKulture thought it wise to send you a letter. The year may have been all you dreamed it would be or the complete opposite. Nonetheless, it is imperative to approach the second half with more zeal and renewed creativity. Here are some pieces of advice from us.

Don’t let the pressure get to you.

Martha was one of the significant female figures in Jesus Christ’s ministry. She was a creative in her right and was always ready to entertain when He and His entourage were around. Martha felt the same pressure that creatives experience to deliver and match up to people’s expectations consistently.

In whatever situation you find yourself in, remember what Jesus told Martha, “one thing is needful.” That one thing is “Glorify God in everything you do.” Nothing else counts. There is no need to try to sound like any other creative or adapt their methods. God gave you your voice, sound, skills, and gifts. They are unique to you are were designed to glorify Him first, then edify His people.

Maintain a consistent relationship with God

Martha was up and down, trying to impress Jesus Christ. While Mary, her sister, found her place at the feet of the Master. She was more interested in her relationship with God, and you should too. Everything you do is an extension of this relationship.

As Christian professionals, we draw our inspiration from His presence. There is a difference between having a consistent relationship with Abba and just visiting to draw inspiration. It should be the first, a consistent lifestyle.

There will always be distractions because you have to write that article, produce that song, or put your gift to work. But Paul said, “In Him we live, move, and have our being” (Acts:17:28). Doing anything outside Him ends up as a waste of time and energy. His Spirit must lead us in everything that we do.

Be open to feedback

Feedback is an essential part of the creative process. You don’t know it all. As such, you should be open to feedback from your audience. 

There are different levels of feedback. You must first seek input from your immediate circle. If you are a writer, this will include your editor and other team members. From their feedback, you can tell what parts of your writing you need to work on and improve.

After this, you get feedback from your target audience. Your audience could be an online Christian community where you post your articles. Finally, if you use technological channels, check for feedback from the platform you use. For example, if you run a blog, check to see that your posts are SEO-compliant before posting.

What is the effect of this? It helps you become better at your craft and also makes it easier to widen your reach. In the end, you’d produce better results. 

Be consistent

It doesn’t matter how you have handled your work since the beginning of the year. We are moving into the second half of the year, so it is a clean slate. You cannot afford to treat your work with laxity.

Remember that so many people look forward to your articles, poems, songs, designs, or whatever you create. Your work is a source of inspiration and enlightenment to someone somewhere. Be ready to go the extra mile to get it done. 

Come up with a schedule and stick to it. It would be best if you discarded any distractions that have previously hindered you. See a man diligent at his work; he will stand before kings and not mean men (Proverbs 22:29).

Time is not your best friend.

Remember when Jesus Christ said, “I must work while it is yet day?” Well, He knew that time wasn’t His best friend, and it isn’t yours as well.

Time is an irredeemable resource; now we have it, the next moment, we don’t. No matter how hard you try, you cannot add a second to the 24 hours you have in a day. One of the main differences between people who accomplish so much and those who don’t is time management.

Put your time to good use. Draw up a to-do list for each day. Follow it judiciously. Be meticulous with each goal and watch how much you’d have achieved at the end of the year.

Wrapping Up

Dear creative, “anything worth doing is worth doing well.” Put in as much effort as you can in every task. Do it as if that was your last task on earth. Lay it all on the table each time. Check out GodKulture for excellent articles to help you grow as a Christian creative.

Signed,

Your Friends at GodKulture