Purpose Study Bible 251: Misunderstood Creativity

As the tribes took possession of their land grants from the Lord through Joshua, we read what a few of the tribes did that were in the farthest regions of the Land:

When they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan (Joshua 22:10).

When the other tribes heard about this altar, they assumed it was for sacrifice, which would have contradicted the word of the Lord as to where such offerings were to be given. So the ten tribes assembled for war and sent a delegation to the builders seeking an explanation. When they heard that the altar wasn't for worship but rather was a symbol or memorial to remind them of the far-away real altar, they were glad and no longer considered punitive measures against their brethren. The story concludes with this verse:

And the Reubenites and the Gadites gave the altar this name: A Witness Between Us—that the Lord is God (Joshua 22:34).

The three tribes came up with a creative reminder of their connection to the other tribes, but that creativity was initially misunderstood. In the same way, not everyone is going to "get" your creativity. Don't be offended, for part of your creativity is to teach using what you create, telling your story of why you did what you did and what it means to you.

When your creativity isn't understood, what do you do? Whatever it is, don't be offended, but use the opportunity to share spiritual and life lessons out of that unique expression of your own existence. No one else sees what you do which is why you have to spend some time explaining what you do to those who make inquiry.