Be Creative, Not 'Recreative'

 I created this with YouTube content in mind, but to be honest, it has wider application, to what we write as well, for example...

Be Creative, Not Recreative; Be Productive, Not Reproductive

To be honest, God is the ultimate Creator. He is the inimitable Producer. He creates 'ex nihlio', out of nothing.

God simply spoke, and the universe came to be. We're created in his image and likeness. That's why we're creative and productive too (at our best). Sadly, because our forebearers ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, we're also very destructive. Much of what we produce leaves a lot to be desired to say the least, and offends the Holy One.

That's by way of introduction. What I want to say in this post is an encouragement to fellow YouTubers, even though I'm pretty amateurish and small fry. I want us producing quality content, not just replicating '10 easy steps to make money off YouTube'.

There's not necessarily wrong with making money for ourselves. But if that's the reason we're creating content, it feels like 'the tail wagging the dog' as it were. We should create content not only to make money for ourselves, but because our content has intrinsic value in itself.

Of course, there's value in teaching people how to make money. Yet we have to be careful. The love of money isn't the root of all evil. Yet it is a root of all kinds of evil. 

Biblically, according to God's word, it's wrong to desire to get rich. There's a distinction between trying to line our own pockets and trying to provide for our families and to enable ourselves to be generous, but we need to make sure we're clear on that dividing line.

As someone has famously said, money makes a great servant, but a lousy master. If you're only creating content to serve your lust for wealth, I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in your channel. If on the other hand you have something unique to bring to the table, and aren't just parroting someone's 'get rich quick' guide, I'm prepared to give you consideration.

To my fellow YouTubers/content creators, let's strive to have something unique and valuable to bring to the table, not just the same old 'hacks' and 'tricks'.

I know this post comes across as preachy, but I needed to get that off my chest. I'm not seeking to judge, but to encourage you to improve your craft.