“Creating instead of criticizing takes discipline.”

A thought by Gabe Lyons (2010-10-05) from his book, The Next Christians: The Good News About the End of Christian America (p. 108). Doubleday Religion. Kindle Edition.

Have you ever tried to create something? Oh I know you did when you were in Kindergarten but somewhere we changed from being creators to critics. I mean it is so much more important for people to do things right or as we view right than it is to create something new. At least that is how some people think.

But creating is so vital in life. I know some people say they aren’t creative but they really are creators who have been beaten down by critics.

Now as a preacher I created a new message every week from scratch. I would start on Monday or Tuesday finish it on Saturday and then give it 2 times on Sunday and 1 time on Monday or Tuesday and then start all over again. I did that every week for 25+ years.

I have now retired from doing that but I now write 2 blogs. One I do every day which is taken from my old messages and then this one which I write when I am inspired by something I have read. Now on bill’s front porch I have missed only one day in nearly 3 years. So I can say I know what discipline it takes to create. I do it when I’m traveling, I do it on vacation, I do it when I’m sick. I just do it.

Every time I have sat down in all these years to write a new message or write a new blog I knew that not everyone is going to like it but I started anyway. Criticism goes along with what I do especially with the subject matter. Now there is discipline in accepting the fact that people have a right to their opinion and my striving to handle it in a positive way and learning from what they are saying. But I start writing each time with no thought about the critics but about the people that will be challenged by what I am creating. There is a discipline in creating.

I like what said Seth Grodin said in his book, Poke the Box, “If you’re not making a difference, it’s almost certainly because you’re afraid.” A person who is creative cannot be afraid to create. You just have to create no matter what.

So why don’t you go against the flow and create something. Yes there is a risk but it is worth it.

So when are you going to start?

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