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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LEARN Rivers of Grace

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 20 Pages

This LEARN notebook is designed to go along with the CD series on Rivers of Grace and it offers you the following four benefits:

Price: $1.95
LEARN Spirit-Anointed Teaching

LEARN Spirit-Anointed Teaching

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 23 Pages

This 23-page Life Enrichment And Review Notebook is designed to go along with the CD/ DVD series and/or PowerPoint presentation. 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: $4.95
4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice DVDs

4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice DVDs

by Mark Virkler | 10 Discs

This DVD Set of the 10-hour course will draw you into a classroom experience with others who are learning to hear from God right alongside you. It follows along with the LEARN 4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice notebook (available for $4.95). Because Dr. Virkler is teaching directly from this booklet, it is recommended that you purchase both the LEARN notebook and the complete book entitled 4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice. You will want to meditate on the teaching and do the exercises found in the large book if you intend to fully internalize the skill of living daily out of God’s voice.


Looking for the new Abridged Edition? See this blog post to learn more and order.


Price: $69.95

4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice DVDs - Abridged Edition

by Mark Virkler | 3 Discs | 10 Sessions

Until June 25th Get At Least 25% Off:

Or 50% off the School of the Spirit e-learning module!

A complete description is available by clicking here, where you will find information on the 60-minute version of this product. The main difference is that these 10 sessions are shorter, averaging 40 minutes each. You asked for it and it's finally available! The same core teaching now abridged, making the sessions easier to fit into your Sunday School class, home group meeting or lunch hour Bible study.

Price: $29.95

A Stroll Along the Sea of Galilee DVD

New life for your daily devotions!

The #1 Tool in the World for Introducing People to Hearing God's Voice! Pop this into your DVD player during your morning devotional time and let us paint a scene of you and Jesus walking together along the Sea of Galilee. We'll encourage you to ask Him one of the following questions, "Lord, what would You like to say to me?" "How do You see me?" or "Do You love me?" We then guide you into using the four keys for hearing God's voice, which are: quieting yourself down, fixing your eyes on Jesus, tuning to spontaneity and writing.

Price: $2.95
Counseled by God DVD Series

Counseled by God DVDs

by Mark Virkler | 4 Discs

Just Released: 35th Anniversary Edition

The foremost training series in the world teaching you how to become emotionally whole by hearing the voice of the Wonderful Counselor (Isa. 9:6)! A genuine word from the Lord heals the broken-hearted. All the “how to” books can never do what a rhema word from God can do for the inner man. You will learn to let God speak to your heart and counsel you about the basic emotional pressures of life such as anger, doubt, depression, condemnation and inferiority. You will learn to let God replace these with His opposites, as His voice releases His grace within your heart. Those whom the Son sets free are free indeed!

Price: $59.95
Prayers That Heal the Heart DVDs

Prayers That Heal the Heart Revised & Expanded 20th Anniversary Edition DVDs

by Mark Virkler | 15 Sessions | 7 Discs

Prayer counseling that breaks every yoke! Everything you need to experience deep healing of your soul and spirit. Did you know that you don’t need to be continually plagued by negative thoughts, feelings, pictures or memories?

It is not part of the "human condition" to feel the constant nagging of doubt, insecurity, or anger. No matter what sin you are trying to overcome, what lie you think you’ll always believe, or what traumas your heart has suffered in the past, you will receive total freedom and restoration by praying these prayers in faith.

Price: $69.95

Everyday Angels DVDs

By Charity Virkler Kayembe

You can partner with Heaven’s angelic hosts!

Do you have guardian angels? Does God want you to know them? Find out what Scripture reveals and how YOU can interact with the company of Heaven!

The supernatural realm permeates our natural world! Therefore, experiencing angels should be an everyday occurrence–we simply need to open our spiritual eyes to their reality and role in our lives.

Price: $59.00
Hear God Through Your Dreams DVDs

Hear God Through Your Dreams DVDs

by Mark Virkler | 5 Sessions

The DVDs and CDs correspond with the Hear God Through Your Dreams book and for maximum growth and internalization, we recommend utilizing it along with either the CD or DVD set. The book provides an outline to follow as you watch the DVDs. Also included are application exercises and classroom activities. (Note: There are 5 sessions on 3 discs.)

Price: $39.95

Hearing God Through Your Dreams DVDs

by Mark Virkler and Charity Virkler Kayembe | 10 Sessions on 3 Discs

Learn How to Hear God’s Voice, Even When You Are Sleeping

Receive divine counsel nightly. Increase emotional health, wisdom and creativity.

Recorded live at Catch the Fire in Toronto!

Price: $49.95

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