Heart vs structure, a new definition of excellence, and a mind map of God's creativity

5 things worth sharing this week

Sep 30, 2025

TWO IDEAS FROM RICH & CASS

RICH WRITES:

“I’ve been thinking about spiritual formation and the way God develops us…

The reality is, when it comes to having a real, ongoing, and alive relationship with God, if all you’ve got is heart and no structure, all the good intentions will end up evaporating when you don’t ‘feel’ it anymore.

But if you’ve got structure and disciplines without heart, everything tends to stiffen up and become rules and routines that so easily strangle the life out of life.

You need the beauty of both; a soft heart and a biblical framework for life that will hold you safe and steady for the long haul.

So y question is this; which are you more inclined towards?”

CASS WRITES:

“You know how people say, “less is more”?

When it comes to design, or music, or art, I get it. The beauty of simplicity. The power of space. Even in a home or on a plate of food.

(I love those fancy restaurants that serve small, stunning portions).

But what about when it comes to life?

Is less really more?

In John 10:10, Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

He doesn’t come to give us less. He comes to give us more.

More hope.

More peace.

More joy.

More love.

More creativity.

More life.

So much life that it overflows, spills out, and causes us to flourish.

So this week, don’t shrink back creatives.

Go for more life!”

TWO SNIPPETS FROM OTHERS

Take comfort friends, God doesn’t want all your time and attention…

“…it is not so much of our time and so much of our attention that God demands; it is not even all our time and all our attention; it is ourselves.”

Source: The Weight of Glory by C. S. Lewis

Is this is a good / helpful definition of excellence?

“Excellence means that we will always strive to use the gifts and abilities that God has given us to the fullest extent possible.”

Source: Lead Like it Matters to God by Richard Stearns

ONE SPARK OF INSPIRATION

This MIND MAP and list of Bible references to God’s an interesting approach to thinking about and communicating the ways God is creative in the Bible.

Who would have thought a mind map could be a tool for God. Makes us think about all the myriad of ways we can all use our creative ability to share the Gospel, and bring God’s good news to the world!! Why limit what God can do? He doesn’t seem to do that!