Creating with Purpose: The Balance Between Self-Expression and Goals
Creating with Purpose: The Balance Between Self-Expression and Goals
As a creator, there are really two primary ways to approach your work:
Self-expression — creating for the joy and release of it
Goal-driven creation — producing something with a specific purpose or objective in mind
I’ve always gravitated toward the first. For me, creating has been more than just producing content — it’s been a form of prayer, a way of drawing closer to God. My creative process is often an act of worship, rooted in a desire to connect with His presence and to express what He’s placed in my heart.
The Spiritual Side of Creativity
When I create, I’m not just thinking about the technical or aesthetic side. There’s always an element of my personality, my own unique voice, woven into the work. That’s what I look for in other creators as well — the ability to connect to a deeper reality.
We live in two worlds:
The physical world we can see and touch — full of real people, real conversations, and real moments.
The spiritual world we cannot see — just as real, and profoundly impactful.
As artists and creators, inspiration can come from many sources:
Your own life experiences
Other people’s stories
Places you’ve been or want to visit
Even something simple like a good cup of coffee or the discipline of daily work
And, most importantly, it can come directly from God.
Creating Unto the Lord
Scripture tells us, “In all that you do, do it unto the Lord.” (Colossians 3:23)
That means every photo, video, painting, song, or piece of writing can be an act of worship. Even work that feels ordinary — editing footage, answering client emails, refining your craft — can be meaningful when done with the right heart posture.
Why Self-Expression Still Matters
While goal-driven creation is important — especially when your work serves a client, audience, or mission — there’s equal value in creating for yourself. When you take time to create without the pressure to please others, you:
Stay grounded in your true identity
Avoid being swayed by every new trend
Make room for God to inspire your vision
It’s better to be the version of yourself God created than a version reshaped by the world’s ever-changing demands.
The Creator is Greater Than the Creation
When you focus your attention on God and make Him your highest desire, you align your creativity with His purpose. As Psalm 37:4 reminds us:
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
If your greatest desire is God Himself, that promise is fulfilled instantly — because He is with you. From that place, the content you create will carry authenticity, meaning, and impact.
Final Encouragement
If you’re a creator — whether you’re making videos, designing, writing, or building something entirely new — don’t lose sight of the spiritual foundation of your work. Let your creativity be both an act of self-expression and a response to God’s presence in your life.
Because when you create from that place, you’re not just making art — you’re making something eternal.
