Can Non-Christians Receive God's Creative Flow?

Mark Virkler's picture

I first became aware of the concept of flow in 1979. I was reading a book about the mind and there was a research article on “The Flow Experience.” Science had discovered that when people are in flow, they are more creative, more insightful and more effective than when in their normal state.

I pondered that and said, “That is sure true in my life.”

So I looked for flow in the Bible and discovered that a river flows from the throne room of God out through our innermost beings (Rev. 22:1; Jn. 7:37-39). This river is the Spirit of God which releases God’s grace into our lives.

I have written extensively on how Christians can release God's creativity. However it sure appears that non-Christians can and do get creative ideas also. So what’s that about? Does God’s spirit, wisdom, counsel and creativity work for non-Christians or is it reserved for Christians only?


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God's ways are unfathomable (Rom. 11:33; Eph. 3:8)

My understanding is God rains on the just and on the unjust (Matt. 5:45). God speaks to the Christian as well as the non-Christian. Pharaoh and Belshazzar are just a couple examples of this (Gen. 41; Dan. 5). God’s voice came to me as a pre-believer and called me into the Kingdom. Everyone has a spirit (Thess. 5:23). The Holy Spirit communicates with our spirits.

Would I be as generous with my giftings of grace as God is? Would I bless even those who curse me or would I withhold myself and my love and my help until they came around and decided to love, honor and respect me?

I have no problem believing that God’s grace extends to all. He is our creator, our sustainer and the one who sent His son to die for us even while we were yet sinners.

The concept of "flow" in today's scene

 It is no longer 1979. It is now 41 years later (2020) and there are many, many books on flow. It sure appears that flow works for people of other faiths. One of the books is Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. It lists his understanding of the 8 characteristics of Flow. I have listed his eight below, with the corresponding biblical principle on the right side of the chart.

 

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s principle is…

Biblical principles which could apply are…

1

Complete concentration on the task

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might (Eccl. 9:10)

2

Clarity of goals and reward in mind and immediate feedback

Jesus’ goal was “the joy set before Him (Heb. 12:2)

3

Time speeds up or slows down

In the spirit world there is timelessness (Hab. 1:2)

4

The experience is intrinsically rewarding

God’s goal is that we have an abundant life (Jn. 10:10)

5

Activity is done with effortlessness and ease

Cease your own labors – Heb. 3,4

6

There is a balance between challenge and skills

Minister according to your gifts and faith (Rom. 12:6)

7

Losing self-consciousness

I lose myself in Christ (Gal. 2:20; Jn. 15)

8

There is a feeling of control over the task

I can do all things through Christ (Phil. 4:13)

 

Can you think of a time when you were experiencing the above 8 characteristics?

I think everyone has experienced working and living in flow. When you are doing something you love and are totally immersed in it you are most likley experiencing the eight chararactistics above. I experience it often as I research, write and teach, as these are my passions. Others will experience flow in dance, artistry, creativity of any form and a host of other ways. Make it your passion to live in God’s creative flow!

Links Which Explore Divine Creativity

  1. Release Divine Creativity - King David Journaled Out the Design for Solomon's Temple! 
  2. Spirit Born Creativity - book 
  3. 4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice - book  
  4. Hearing God - for Intimacy, Healing, Creativity, Meditation and Dream Interpretation - book
  5. Mark Virkler Interviewed - Description of the Creative Process - audio 
  6. Creative Prayer and Downloadable file of the contents of this blog  
  7. A Banner for Jesus - An Expression of Divine Creativity by Linda Burton 
  8. Creativity, Innovation and the Kingdom of God by Bill Dupley 
  9. Release God's Creativity and Transform Society by Bill Dupley  
  10. Divine Creativity Rewarded 
  11. Can Non-Christians Receive God's Creative Flow?  
  12. Communion With God Stimulates Divine Creativity in Worship and the Arts  
  13. Vision of God Revealing "Divine Substance" - A Key to Creative Miracles by Karin da Silva

Related Blogs: 

Business and Creativity   
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Comments

George Hartwell's picture

I agree with your conclusion here, Mark. Flow is poured out on the just and the unjust as it is God's nature to be loving, giving and forgiving and full of grace and mercy.

Flow is a powerful central concept in the message left to us by Jesus. 

Nannette 's picture

Loved today's Daily Bite and thank you for the new Podcasts. 

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Contributing Strands Worksheet

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 8 Pages

An extremely easy-to-use prayer counseling worksheet to use yourself or for a counselor to use as he works with a client. It guides you through the seven prayers, ensuring that you are asking the right questions, covering all the key bases, and recording what the Lord is saying and revealing through vision. Download free here.

Price: $0.50
Overcoming Blocks and Hindrances to Hearing God's Voice Tract

Overcoming Blocks and Hindrances to Hearing God's Voice Tract (10-pack)

by Mark Virkler | 1 Page Tract | Bundles of 10

A one-page review of how to overcome some of the main stumbling blocks to hearing God's voice. Normally the four keys of stillness, vision, spontaneity and journaling will allow you to daily hear God's voice (plus, of course, submitting it to your spiritual advisors). However, if this is not working, then these are the most likely causes, and the things to do to overcome them.

(This tract is sold in bundles of 10 for $1.00.)

Price: $1.00
Prayers That Heal the Heart Cards

Prayers That Heal the Heart Cards (100 pack)

Wallet size cards for hand outs

Sometimes you just want to put something into someone's hand that will point them in the right direction. You know they are hurting, and you want to help. This Prayers that Heal the Heart wallet size card is perfect to leave for people to pick up, or to hand to people.

To receive up to 25 free, do not add to your cart! Just choose a quantity of "Free Gift #2" at checkout. To purchase more than 25, add to cart here.

Price: $5.00
You Can Hear God's Voice Tract

You Can Hear God's Voice Tract (10-pack)

by Mark Virkler | 1 Page Tract | Bundles of 10

A simple review of the four keys to hearing God's voice, on one single page, front and back. Easy to hand out to another to get them interested in hearing God's voice. Nice for your own personal review.  This tract can be downloaded freely, or purchased for 10 copies for $1.00.

Price: $1.00

7 Step Healing Model Cards (100 pack)

by Mark Virkler

Request up to 25 of the 7 Steps wallet cards FREE with every order you place! (Excluding download-only orders.) Just specify how many you would like when checking out in the shopping cart. 

To receive up to 25 free, do not add to your cart! Just choose a quantity of your "Free Gift" at checkout. To purchase more than 25, add to cart here.

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Hear God Through Your Dreams cards

Hear God Through Your Dreams Cards (100-pack)

Wallet size cards for handouts

Request up to 25 of the dreams cards FREE with every order you place! (Excluding download-only orders.) Just specify how many you would like when checking out in the shopping cart. Spread the good news that God is still giving wise counsel through dreams at night, and His counsel is free!

To receive up to 25 free, do not add to your cart! Just choose a quantity of your "Free Gift" at checkout. To purchase more than 25, add to cart here.

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LEARN From Oppression to Victory Ebook

Mark Virkler

This workbook provides you copies of 125 PowerPoint utilized in From Oppression to Victory training. If receiving training in a group, we highly recommend that EVERY member of the group have their own copy. It offers you the following four benefits:

Price: $5.95

LEARN Hearing God's Voice for Healing

Mark and Patti Virkler | Workbook containing 276 PowerPoint slides | Retail: $5.95

This is a printed set of 276 PowerPoints that walk you through the teaching of our book, Hearing God’s Voice for Healing. There are three PowerPoint slides down the left side of each page, and the right side is space to write your own personal notes, reflections, journaling, and insights.

Price: $5.95

LEARN How Do YOU Know?

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 40 pages

This Life Enrichment And Review Notebook follows the audio/video series exactly, allowing you to see the key points being made and fill in answers as you go along. Writing notes always deepens the learning experience. In addition you will be encouraged to write out key Scriptures and hear what the Lord wants to say to you personally through two-way journaling exercises.

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LEARN Overflow of the Spirit Workbook Cover

LEARN Overflow of the Spirit

50 Pages | by Mark Virkler and Charity Kayembe

This 50-page LEARN Workbook is designed to be filled in while listening to the audio/video teaching on Overflow of the Spirit. Mark and Charity have teamed up again to create a training series on how to easily manifest the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit. It took us several years to break through all the confusion and present a clear, simple understanding of how to release the nine-fold manifestation of the Holy Spirit everywhere you go and with everyone you touch. It is not hard! It can’t be since these are gifts of the Holy Spirit, not things you have to work for.

Price: $6.95

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