Inspiration & Service in the Creative Process

Some years ago, I became friends with a man who was a Biblical scholar and a prominent Protestant minister. For several months we discussed the gospel. He agreed with almost every key doctrine and accepted my invitation to meet with our missionaries. When the day arrived, the elders did their best to look relaxed but were obviously intimidated. Then my friend said, “Elders before you begin, I want you to know everything you are going to tell me, I already believe!” With an almost audible sigh of relief, the elders proceeded with confidence.

Serve God by Serving Others

Although my friend did not join the Church, my experience with him was profound. In one of the missionary sessions, he picked up his Book of Mormon and read aloud King Benjamin’s words, “And behold I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings you are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17). He explained that to view helping our fellowman as a literal and direct service to the Savior was a fundamental principle among early Christians. Over time, this understanding was lost. Today, too many professed Christians fail to actively practice that belief. That this truth is stated so clearly in The Book of Mormon affected my friend deeply.

Years ago, he corresponded with Mother Teresa of India. She and her co-workers would regularly visit a muddy, smelly field at night. They would stand in a line holding hands and stretch out so they could barely touch one another’s fingers. Then they would drop their hands and slowly walk forward—listening carefully for the sound of a baby—a baby thrown away by its mother. Once they’d hear the cry, they’d dig through the muck and rescue the child.

To view helping our fellowman as a literal and direct service to the Savior was a fundamental principle among early Christians.

This saintly woman walked through the sea of humanity flooding the streets of Calcutta, searching for those who were dying. Her workers carried them back to her home to wash and feed them. She would sit with a stranger’s head upon her lap for hours to give comfort and consolation in his or her last moments of life.

My friend wrote Mother Teresa a letter asking how she could do this day after day. How could she continuously serve under such horrible, revolting circumstances? Her reply simply stated, “Dear Pastor, don’t you understand? When I am holding a baby covered with slime or a ragged beggar’s head in my lap, I am holding Jesus Christ.” Mother Teresa lived what King Benjamin taught. She followed his direction to “take upon you the name of Christ. . . .  (and) remember to retain the name written always in your hearts” (Mosiah 5:8,12; Emphasis added).

Create in the Name of the Savior

What does this have to do with the creative process? After all, there are practical guidelines to help us be effective writers, musicians, artists or any creative endeavor with which we are involved. Who hasn’t heard these principles for success before? Study what others who are successful have done. Get tutored by experts. Be open to honest critique. Practice, practice, practice. Don’t quit! Etc. Etc.

Mastering technique, however, is not the same as creating something meaningful or life-changing. If our desire is to do that, King Benjamin and Mother Teresa’s perspectives and examples regarding our relationship with the Savior is key.

The Apostle Paul said this in his letter to the Colossians, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17; Emphasis added). As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as creators, ALL should include the art we create, the novels we write, the music we compose, and so forth.

Receiving & Recognizing Inspiration

I strive to consider all my efforts as opportunities to magnify Jesus Christ. When I write, I want to bring about His purposes. I try to remember to do it in His name. Admittedly, I lack consistency here, but when I do this, it opens the door for inspiration. My writing becomes more meaningful…because it isn’t just me creating!

How does God’s inspiration come? In my experience, the timing and process vary significantly. Usually, it is a slow, imperceptible flow of ideas, though at times I might have a eureka moment. Often, I simply remember something I’ve read, heard, or experienced that is relevant to what I am trying to convey. Either way, we must seek inspiration if we are to receive and recognize it. We should follow Paul’s admonition and do what we do in the name of the Savior. Then we need to listen and humbly receive that gift with gratitude.

We must seek inspiration if we are to receive and recognize it.

As creators seeking inspiration, we can apply God’s guidance from Doctrine and Covenants: We “must study it out in (our) mind.” Then “if it is right, (the Spirit) will cause that” we will “feel that it is right” (See D&C 9:8; Emphasis added). As we feel it is right, we are given means to convey that feeling and spirit to those who read, see, or hear what we produce.

Through this process, we are as blessed as those whom we seek to bless. When we strive to uplift those who experience our work, and when we do what we do in the name of Jesus Christ, we become more like Him. As covenant-keeping creators, that is our eternal quest.