The Creator – God – made man and woman in his own image. Therefore, we are creators by nature. We all have the urge to create, to make something, to grow plants, to raise animals, to build, to improve, to fix, to do good work, or to solve problems. The worst thing an adult can do to a child is to stifle that urge. The task of parents and teachers is to encourage children's enthusiastic creativity, which is a matter of the spirit, but often has great practical results.
A practical result of man's creativity is the development of technology. God has given mankind the intelligence to discover and understand the "laws of nature" that he set in motion at the creation. From this knowledge technology is developed. Technology makes life easier and more convenient. But, it also makes death and destruction easier. It can work for the good of mankind, or it can work for the destruction of mankind. We make a serious mistake when we idolize our amoral science and technology. We cannot solve spiritual problems with outward physical measures.
Creativity is the true "human capital", or wealth in life, bringing great satisfaction to the creator. I have experienced that this satisfaction is greatest and most fruitful when directed toward an unselfish goal, doing something for the common good. Then it has a positive and constructive effect. I have realized this by working on a design team to make a product that satisfies the needs of customers as well as earning a living for every member of our work community. Everyone involved benefitted equitably from the results of our work. We need to develop and treasure this human capital to fulfill God's commands.
Our planet Earth supplies us with great "natural capital", the resources that support all life. If we love God, we will respect and sustainably use his creation. To do this, God gave us wealth of mind and a creative spirit. Since the beginning of time, God instructed humanity to subdue and use the natural resources he provided. Unfortunately, human beings are disobedient to God's commands. We think and act as if we ourselves are the creators and masters of the universe. Our disobedience and selfish pride has led to the present destruction of human and natural capital.
In the Bible there is a great illustration of this in the story of Noah's Ark. When God saw the wickedness of the people he had created, he found and saved a righteous man, Noah, and his family, and sent the flood to get rid of the rest. Although God said he would not destroy people like that again, he did not say he would prevent humanity from destroying itself through its greed and arrogance.
Fortunately, God always gives us a choice. We can live according to his command to love our fellow human beings, or live a sinful self-serving life. He does not want slaves or robots, but willing followers who do the good works he wants done. God doesn't expect perfection, but he does expect us to follow his direction.
This means using our capital, both human and natural, to save our world from catastrophe. The only solution is to change our worldview, change our hearts and live so God's love and justice rule us. The impending crises of violent conflict, economic injustice, and environmental extinction face us more than ever before. We need to respect and sustainably develop the natural capital that supports the miracle of life. We must work creatively for the good of society as grateful givers who protect God's gifts of love and life for future generations to enjoy.