Have you read the answer from an online quiz, then, based on the result, decided the program must be flawed?
At the end of December, I took an online quiz that promised to present the perfect biblical word for me to focus on this year.
I thought about words my friends have chosen to study like peace, holiness, faithfulness, or an ouchy one—self-control. My quiz response this year? Create.
A Puzzling Word
Surely, the answer was wrong. Frankly, it didn’t sound as holy as my friends’ words. Maybe I should pick grace or faith or love?
Create? Create what? I’m a writer, but I’m not sure what God wants me to write this year.
I don’t knit scarves or make jewelry, nor do I sew quilts from t-shirts. I don’t draw, paint, or sculpt—unless you count the Play-Doh snowmen I make with my granddaughters. I even use a recipe when I make chili—yes, really.
Create? I didn’t think so.
I almost erased the word from my notes. Instead, I prayed and decided to see if God would use the online quiz to teach me.
Then I put it aside and forgot about it.
A New Year
On New Year’s Day I started my new Bible reading plan.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1 ESV
The familiar verse reminded me of my word, create. God created. A Latin term in the margin caught my attention—ex nihilo, to make from nothing. God made the world and all that’s in it from nothing.
I can’t create from nothing, but I can create from the gifts, ideas, memories, experiences, and biblical truth God gives me.
That same week, I listened to Reagan Rose on the Redeeming Productivity podcast. He suggests we write goals to steward the next year for the glory of God.
Redeeming Productivity podcast
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV
As I prayed, God connected my unusual word to the goals He’s leading me to accomplish.
With my new word, I’m even more excited about how my goals will help me steward 2025 for the glory of God:
- Create more relationships, beginning with two neighbors I recently met.
- Create more meaningful relationships with people I know.
- Create an organized home for hospitality purposes.
- Create a more in-depth Bible study plan.
- Create a monthly nachos and game night for my family.
- Create simple meal recipes for a weekly Bible study with friends.
- Create a wisely planned budget.
- Create a new notebook to record prayer requests.
- Create a notebook of memorized Scripture verses with notes.
I wonder what else God has in mind. This year my word is create. I’m excited to see how God will equip me to create for His kingdom’s work as I seek Him.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 ESV
Your Turn 
Do you have a word for this year? If not, borrow mine. What do you feel led to create in 2025? We can’t create from nothing as God does, but we can create using the gifts He gives to us.
I can’t wait to read your thoughts below in the comment section. Your examples will encourage the rest of us as we seek to steward 2025 for the glory of God.
Hi Jeannie, I love your CREATE goals list! I totally understand the hesitation about creating as a personal mantra because of the idea behind “ex nihilo” – creating from nothing. But just know that I’ve always thought of you as a very creative person because of all the ways you seem to put people and words together. You are also way ahead of all the content creators that are so popular now! Thank you for always being this way in our relationship. Love you!
Barbara, I’ve seen your creativity with teacher planning and shopping. Isn’t it exciting to do what God calls us to do with His Word and the gifts He’s given us as our guide. Thank you so much for your comments, my friend.
I pray that all of my words and actions show His love. Thank you for this inspirational message. Have a blessed day!
Melissa, that’s a prayer we should all pray regularly. I’m thankful you found inspiration in the message and I appreciate your reminder about showing the love of Jesus in our daily lives. I hope you have a blessed day, also.
Thank you so much for your list! Any time things are not clear to us, God provides answers. Creating new ideas and situations is so important. Thanks again for sharing!
Thank you, Jan, for reading and commenting. I agree God provides the answers when we look to Him and express our willingness to do His will. I’m excited about these goals, although it may take me all year to accomplish them. 😉
Tongue-in-cheek: I could accomplish eight items on your list in total more easily than accomplishing the third! You’re creative with words, as we witness with your blogs, and you’ve given us ideas on how we, too, can be creative for God. Thanks!
Peggy, what a blessing to read your comments today and see that some of the ideas in the post resonated with you. I’m using my home some now for hospitality (3rd goal), but I’ll be much more effective when I finish organizing. That chore may take all year, but a friend and I are holding each other accountable via email by reporting our 15 minute organization steps. It’s helping.
Last year I veered away from word of the year. Your take on “create” is inspiring. I love your creative list of goals. I like to think I do some of these, but my thoughts may not develop into actions. I’ll strive to do better this year. Thank you for your encouragement.
I’m glad you were encouraged, Deanna. Read Barbara Latta’s comment. She added the word surrender to create which is a great idea. I think you and I will be successful in meeting the goals He calls us to as we surrender. I appreciate your kind words.
Jeannie, my word this year is also create which I discovered from an online quiz. I added another one to it-surrender because the more I surrender to God, the better I can create with Him. Thanks for sharing yours!
Barbara, what a brilliant idea to add surrender to create! Thank you for sharing. We can hear God better and do all the things He calls us to do when we are surrendered to Him.
Your message captured my attention for sure. I don’t usually have a word for the year, but I loved hearing about your selection process (how you weren’t sure of God’s guidance at first). But then…when you accepted that “create” was God’s plan, well…you began to create. Your list (and I’m sure you’ve thought of more ways to create) is impressive. I know you will send a blessing to many with your amazing ideas and receive much blessing in return.
Katherine, I appreciate your encouraging words. Like you, I’m excited to see how God will guide me this year as I seek to honor Him and encourage people I meet.
Jeannie, I had just unsubscribed from two worthwhile causes, that I believe in, because I get so many emails (like I’m sure all of you do!). But when I saw your blog in my email, I got excited! I always welcome your emails, because they encourage me to reach farther. Thank you!
I hadn’t thought about a word for the year until you asked the question, but maybe REACH is it–to REACH UP to the Father, REACH OUT to others, and REACH BEYOND my present boundaries to serve Him and them more. This will be a matter of prayer now!
“But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.” (2 Cor. 10:13)