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?


Other Ways to Access this Blog: Watch on YouTube | Listen to Podcast

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   
Add new comment

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. 

Add new comment

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Results

Results 421 - 430 of 490

Pages

The Power of Pictures Digital Video

by Mark Virkler | 41 minute teaching

It was a life-changing revelation when God taught me that “my emotions are byproducts of the pictures I gaze upon." In my study of health, I also learned that emotions turn my immune system on or off. This, in turn, greatly impacts my health. Finally, I have discovered that my energy to press forward to fulfill my destiny is strongly impacted by my emotions.

Price: $9.95

The Power of Pictures PowerPoint Download

by Mark Virkler | 44 PowerPoint slides

It was a life-changing revelation when God taught me that “my emotions are byproducts of the pictures I gaze upon." In my study of health, I also learned that emotions turn my immune system on or off. This, in turn, greatly impacts my health. Finally, I have discovered that my energy to press forward to fulfill my destiny is strongly impacted by my emotions.

Price: $9.95

Through the Bible 1: Pentateuch Video Download

by Dr. Andrew Hardy | 10 Sessions

Dr. Andrew Hardy guides you from Genesis through Deuteronomy in 10 sessions. This is part one of our Through the Bible series, which gives you an overview of the entire Bible.

Price: $14.95
Through the Bible II - United Kingdom Video Download

Through the Bible 2: United Kingdom Video Download

by Dr. Andrew Hardy | 11 Video Downloads

Dr. Andrew Hardy guides you through Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel along with parts of 1 & 2 Chronicles and 1 Kings in 11 sessions. This is part two of our Through the Bible series, which gives you an overview of the entire Bible. 

In these books, which cover the United Kingdom, you will learn about the conquest of the Promised Land under the leadershp of Joshua. Read about the early days of the nation of Israel as they lived under judges and kings. The nation prospered under righteous kings and languished under evil kings. Under Solomon, the nation of Israel reached its height in grandeur and glory. Discover what makes a nation prosper and what makes one fall. Learn how one person, living in obedience to Almighty God, can change the direction of a nation! Let us learn from history. 

Pray for God to give you revelation knowledge in your heart and mind as you meditate on His Word (Eph. 1:17,18).

Price: $14.95
Through the Bible III - Divided Kingdom Video Download

Through the Bible 3: Divided Kingdom Video Download

by Dr. Andrew Hardy | 11 Sessions

Dr. Andrew Hardy takes you through 17 Old Testament books in 11 sessions. This is part three of our Through the Bible series, which provides you an overview of the entire Bible.

Price: $14.95
Through the Bible IV - Poetry and Wisdom Literature - Video Download

Through the Bible 4: Poetry and Wisdom Literature Video Download

by Dr. Andrew Hardy | 11 Video Downloads

Dr. Andrew Hardy guides you through the Poetry and Wisdom books of the Bible in 11 sessions. This is part four of our Through the Bible series, which provides you an overview of the entire Bible.

Price: $14.95
Through the Bible V  Major Prophets Video Download

Through the Bible 5: Major Prophets Video Download

by Dr. Andrew Hardy | 10 Sessions

Dr. Andrew Hardy takes you through the Major Prophets in 10 sessions. This is part five of our Through the Bible series, which provides an overview of the entire Bible.

Price: $14.95
Through the Bible 6: Life of Christ - Video Download

Through the Bible 6: Life of Christ Video Download

by Dr. Andrew Hardy | 10 Sessions

Dr. Andrew Hardy takes you through the Gospels, the Life of Christ, in 10 sessions. This is part six of our Through The Bible series,  which provide you an in-depth overview of the entire Bible. You may choose to begin with the Life of Christ, and work your way through the entire New Testament, and then follow this up by going through the Old Testament.

Why are there four Gospels describing Jesus' life? How are the three synoptic Gospels different from John? What does God want to say to me through the life of Jesus? Can I really imitate Christ and be like him? Yes, Jesus came to model the lifestyle God has empowered us to live!

Price: $14.95

Through the Bible 7: Acts and Epistles Video Download

by Dr. Andrew Hardy | 10 sessions

Dr. Andrew Hardy takes you through Acts and the General Epistles in 10 sessions. This is part seven of our Through the Bible series, which provides you an in-depth overview of the entire Bible. You may choose to begin with the Life of Christ, and work your way through the entire New Testament, and then follow this up by going through the Old Testament.

In the book of Acts you discover the vibrancy of the early Church. The Holy Spirit descended upon them in Pentecost and filled them and the room in which they were seated. Empowered by the Holy Ghost, they immediatey won 3000 to the Lord. Miracles followed, many were healed, and the world was transformed by these anointed disciples. 

In the General Epistles we learn of the struggles the early Church faced, and the amazing teaching the Apostle Paul provided to keep them on track. You receive a glimpse into the heart of Paul as he passionately encourages his readers to know who they are in Christ and ascend into the heavenlies, where they are seated with Him in heavenly places, ruling and reigning. These books take you into the depths of Scriptural truth as revealed by the Holy Spirit. Pray for God to give you revelation knowledge in your heart and mind as you meditate on His Word (Eph. 1:17,18).

Price: $14.95

Through the Bible 8: Epistles and Revelation Video Download

by Dr. Andrew Hardy | 10 Sessions

Dr. Andrew Hardy takes you through the General Epistles and the book of Revelation in 10 sessions. This is part eight of our Through The Bible series,  which provide you an in-depth overview of the entire Bible. You may choose to begin with the Life of Christ, and work your way through the entire New Testament, and then follow this up by going through the Old Testament.

This eighth series in the collection covers the following New Testament books: I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, I Peter, II Peter, I John, II John, III John, Jude and Revelation.

Price: $14.95

Pages