“There are no new ideas, just new presentations.”

I’ve heard that phrase a lot lately. I heard it several times at the writers conference I attended in May. I’ve read it in a couple of books about writing. I’ve heard it from people who I admire and respect, and who have far more impressive publishing credentials than mine. They are the authorities, the experts, the movers and shakers of the Christian publishing business - and they insist that there are no new ideas, just new ways of expressing the same old stuff.

 With all due respect, I must humbly respond: “BALONEY.”

I just can’t buy it. there must be some new ideas out here. How could it be possible that all the new ideas are gone? The more I contemplate the statement, the more arrogant it seems. To say that there are “no new ideas” is to say that the God of the Universe — the Creator of Creativity — has reached His creative limits and can no longer inspire us with truly new ideas. It’s like turning off the lights and blaming God because the room is dark. He didn’t turn out the lights, you did. “There are no new ideas” is a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you assume that there are no new ideas, you won’t be looking for new ideas. Even if one slaps you in the face you won’t see it.

Lord, please give me a truly new idea, not some recycled thought picked up from someone else. Create in me a new idea, oh God, and energize Your creative spirit within me. Amen, and Thank You.

D.