Getting It Right and Getting It Wrong

2009-08-07T22:11:00.006-05:00

I must share this video with you. I saw it tonight and was instantly inspired and compelled for the gospel. Wow, right away I knew this was a video produced for the kingdom in order to draw people to Christ. The creator got it right; compelling audio and dynamic visuals. This is the kind of video that calls people to action in their faith. I know you'll love it!

However, there's a problem. Christians, although using all for the glory of Christ, are not immune. Just because we throw a credit on the end of our short film to "admit" where the audio and video clips came from, doesn't mean we have license to reproduce (steal) those products in the name of Jesus. As a matter of fact, God calls us to much higher standards. (See commandment number 8.) Although my emotions were wrapped up in this video, I was immediately distracted by the marked BBC footage and the discontinuity in video quality and sources. You'll see what I'm talking about when you watch.

This video is a great example of getting it right, but unfortunately falls short of true creativity. If we, as Christians, are going to be involved in producing media for the sake of the gospel, then we need to play by the rules, invest where appropriate, and then let our creativity shine. It's senseless to reproduce products that don't belong to us, pass it off as our own, and then claim to represent Christ.

We can do better than this.

The Bigger Picture

2009-07-20T22:00:00.000-05:00

Us "creative" types have a problem....it's us. We're constantly getting in the way of our own creativity. Blocking new and inventive ideas, preventing greatness and squashing productivity.

This is the first real entry of Elevate, and I'm going straight for the throat, mine included. This is a great opportunity for self assessment and realization, a moment to remove the scales from our eyes and open ourselves to greater self worth and creativity.

I have to go back a little ways and share a personal story from my early days of an aspiring leader. When I was a senior in high school, I had the role of Technical Director for all theatrical productions. It was my responsibility to lead other students in set design, lighting, special effects and sound. As I was growing in my creativity and ability to influence others, my ownership grew and my respect for my supervisor dwindled. I had freedom, trust and empowerment ... what else would I need?

I recall this particular event like it was yesterday. I was having "creative differences" with my supervisor, whom by the way was a great carpenter and set builder with many years of experience. As construction of a living room set was taking place, it had been decided that we should paint a window instead of cutting a hole and actually creating one. Well, being the creative and ambitious person I am, I wanted the hole cut and was convinced it would be best for the production. So, behind my supervisor's back, I had a fellow student cut the hole and begin work on the window. I'm sure you can guess how this ended ... the window was constructed my way - but not without major consequences.

My problem? Failure to see the bigger picture.

Although my "creative" decision might have been a better choice than my supervisor's, I suffered major collateral damage. I failed to realize that I cost the school money by tearing apart not 1, but 2 full sized flat walls that were intended for many years of reuse. I wasted time on making the "window effect" work with additional construction and lighting. I failed to see the lack of overall importance this window played in the production. Plus, most importantly, I failed to see how my freedom, trust and empowerment would be tainted from this decision.

I got in my own way! I had the answer and refused to hear inferior opinions. Failing to see the bigger picture, we missed out on a possible third option to our "creative difference". I was blinded from seeking a more creative approach.

This particular event is the most memorable of my career, but it wouldn't be the last. I would continue to learn this valuable lesson as I gained other leadership roles and get caught up in personal creative process. Truthfully, creativity is born in numbers. Bringing minds together to solve a problem, invent a new product, tell a story or create compelling media is where success is found. As contributors, we bring varying levels of wisdom, experience and ambitions to the table. All it takes is a listening ear, a patient heart and the willingness to die to the mentality of "my way is the best way".

Romans 8:28 says, "We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Our God is the ultimate "creative"; the one that crafted both the heavens and the earth. Loving Him, seeking after Him and being called to His purpose should be our sole inspiration for creativity. When we're right with the Lord, he'll bring us side by side with others to create mighty things!

Happy dying to individualism and personal creative process ... you'll thank Him later.

Elevate

2009-07-19T12:00:00.003-05:00

This is for you ... everyone.

Whether you are a media maker or media consumer.
Tech savvy or tech dummy.
TV watcher or newspaper reader.
Letter writer or twitter updater.

This is about educating communicators and consumers in all walks of life.

It's ALL for elevating the presence of God in our lives.