What is creative thinking? It involves seeing existing situations in new ways, identifying options, and developing linkages that produce new solutions. How can you develop and enhance this skill and root our actions in God’s Word?

The 5 “I’s” of Learning the Skill of Creative Thinking

1. IDENTIFY the needs and challenges of those around you. From there, identify one need of greater interest to you and let it become the core thought on which you will build additional thoughts. The Lord desires that we do not live without recognizing the needs of others and act.

   James 2: 15-16: “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”

2. INFORM yourself of different aspects of that need and slowly develop your mind map. A mind map involves writing down a core theme and thinking, then adding new and related ideas that radiate out from the center.At this stage, it’s important to feed your core thoughts with information from books, magazines, media, social interactions, the internet, etc. The Lord wants us to be knowledgeable and understand issues and concepts around us.

   Proverbs 18:15: An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

3. INCUBATE your ideas and intentionally begin forming linkages and possible solutions to the need you began with. Think outside the box and begin to see the big picture.

   At this stage, do not focus on the results or products.The Lord wants us to seek him as we incubate our ideas to gain discernment and understanding. He understands and knows much more than we do, with much more depth than we can fathom.

   Isaiah 40:13: Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord or instruct the Lord as his counsellor? Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?
   
   

4. ILLUMINATE, this is the stage during which you isolate one idea that begins to burn more brightly than the others. This stage will only happen when you step out of your routine and enjoy the freedom of not being confined to a space or routine or place of instruction.

   To facilitate this, take long walks or listen to quietening music or do something you enjoy that frees up your mind. When we take time to admire and take in the beauty of God’s Creation, he inspires us.

   Psalm 23:1-4: The Lord is my Shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul, He guides me along the right paths for His name sake.

5. IDEA GENERATION is the final stage where you deliberately begin to see how appropriate your idea is – does it offer a solution to the problem or need you began with? Is it a good possible fit?

   Tinker with, test, and alter it until it is a good fit. The Lord our Father is a creator of all things in heaven and on earth, He will empower you to generate and develop a brilliant and new idea.

   Isaiah 40:28-31: Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

   Use these 5 steps to elicit more creativity in your life. Have a creative rest of the year!

   Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to develop the skill of Creativity, for you are a Creative God. Please help us to learn this vital life skill that will enrich our spiritual and physical life to your glory.