The word inspire originates from the Latin word inspirare, which means breathe. Originally, the word was used to describe the impartation of a supernatural being, such as when God breathed upon Adam and brought him to life. Indeed, inspiration is God-breathed…and when a person is inspired by God, He doesn’t erase or overpower the person’s unique essence. Rather, He works through the person like an instrument that has a distinctive sound. The result is a work of art that has dual authorship; the Psalms, for example, are written by David and by God.

That is why I disregard the popular advice to treat art as a discipline, as work, as another chore…a job that must be done whether or not I am in the mood to be creative. That is also why I’m skeptical of the claim that inspiration isn’t really important…that quantity is more important than quality. Inspiration is important. All of my best work has been inspired, not forced. Like love and friendship, I don’t believe art is meant to be forced. After all, God created the world not due to a sense of obligation, but out of divine inspiration.