Whole Brain Worship

Creativity: The ability to use the imagination to develop new and original ideas or things, especially in an artistic context. – Encarta Dictionary.

How would you rate yourself on a creativity scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest? As a 10 you might be a Picasso, Mozart or Martha Stewart or possibly as a 1 where your creativity is limited to using cursive “A1, B3, or C2s” to prioritize your tasks in your daily planner. Some of us tend to be more “right brain” – thinking from more of a holistic and intuitive viewpoint and leading to be more creative, while others of us (me included) tend to be more “left brain” – logical, sequential, and analytical which can limit out-of-the-box creativity. If you are interested in taking a short “right brain/left brain quiz” go to: Right Brain/Left Brain Quiz

How does creativity and worship work together? I think we might say like hand in glove. Creativity can elevate expressions of worship whether in music, art, dance, drama or written word. Those who play instruments, sing or produce artistic expressions of worship are likely Left Brain. So Left Brain, creative people might be gifted with creativity in worship, but what about us logical, analytical Right Brainers? Are we limited to creating a worship “to-do” list for the Lord, or a sequential method of worship? Maybe, but as God has formed, molded and gifted us in our personality, skills, right or left brain, and level of creativity we should seek to glorify and exalt His Holy Name.

I think we have many Biblical examples of individuals who worshipped God through creativity and obedience. Some were highly creative left brain folks like David, the writer of Job, and the impulsive Peter, while others like the Nehemiah, Luke and the Apostle Paul must have been right brain guys. Each of us, regardless of our creativity level or way of thinking can worship God with all of who we are and rejoice in it. God rejoices in our offering of worship and obedience, and He created us to fully reach toward the Heavens to honor, exalt and glorify Him as we are. When we come together as right and left brain folks we can worship with both sides and be whole brain worshippers. In Christ’s love we can offer ourselves as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. – Ephesians 5:1-2