What Constitutes Effort?
The other day, I found myself at an artisan-style restaurant, indulging in a fine dining experience that was far removed from my usual, practical approach to food. Normally, I see food as fuel—a necessary means to sustain my day. But here, the focus was on nuance, detail, and craftsmanship. The chef would frequently visit my table, passionately explaining the origins of each ingredient, his background in Michelin-star kitchens, and the care he had taken in preparing each dish.
At first, I appreciated his enthusiasm, but as the meal went on, I realized something: his constant explanations were interrupting the flow of the experience. Instead of being fully immersed in the flavors and textures of the food, I was distracted by his need to contextualize and validate the effort he had put into it. Ironically, this hindered my ability to appreciate what was on the plate.
This realization sparked a broader reflection on creativity, effort, and how we judge what’s meaningful.
Effort Without Explanation
In a world increasingly shaped by technology and artificial intelligence, the way we perceive effort is shifting. Historically, effort was often tied to the visible process—the time, labor, and skill required to produce something by hand. But as tools have evolved, so too has our understanding of what effort means.
This parallels the chef’s dilemma. His work was evident in the food itself—it didn’t need additional explanation. The quality and intention behind the meal spoke for themselves. But his constant need to provide context felt like an attempt to supplement the experience, to convince me of the value of his effort.
The same is true in creative work. Whether something is made with a chisel, a paintbrush, or an AI program, what matters isn’t the tool or the process. What matters is the essence of the work—what’s in the heart of the creator.
The Role of Tools in Creativity
As we move into a future where tools like AI blur the lines between human and machine-made creations, we must reevaluate how we measure effort. The reality is that it’s becoming nearly impossible to distinguish whether something was created by hand, by a computer, or by a combination of both.
But does that distinction even matter? God doesn’t judge us by the tools we use or the length of our process. As 1 Samuel 16:7 says:
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
This verse reminds us that what truly matters is our intentions and the authenticity of what we create. Whether our work involves a long, winding process or a quick execution, the heart behind it is what gives it value.
In a world where tools increasingly dominate creation, we must let go of the need to justify our efforts with explanations. Instead, we should focus on ensuring that our creations reflect our true intentions, our essence, and our heart.
Immersion vs. Distraction
Reflecting on the dining experience, I realized that the chef’s well-meaning interruptions were a lot like the unnecessary complexity that often accompanies modern creativity. Just as his explanations pulled me out of the moment, overcomplicating the creative process can pull us away from the core of what we’re trying to communicate.
Tools, like the chef’s words, should enhance the experience—not detract from it. Whether we’re writing, painting, or designing, our goal should be to create something immersive and meaningful, not something burdened by layers of unnecessary context or process.
This also applies to faith. God knows our hearts—He sees the truth behind our actions. We don’t need to dress up our faith with elaborate gestures or explanations. As Jesus says in Matthew 6:6:
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
The same principle applies to creativity. True effort is quiet, sincere, and intentional. It doesn’t need to be shouted from the rooftops or adorned with excessive context.
The Future of Effort
As technology continues to evolve, we face a choice: cling to outdated notions of effort tied to process and tools, or embrace a new understanding of creativity rooted in authenticity and intention.
The chef’s meal reminded me that what matters isn’t the explanation but the experience. Similarly, in our work and in our faith, the outcome should reflect our heart and purpose. Whether we use the latest tools or traditional methods, what matters is that we are true to ourselves and our Creator.
In a world full of noise, let your work—and your life—speak for itself. Create with sincerity, let your intentions guide you, and trust that what’s in your heart is enough. As tools and technologies come and go, the authenticity of your effort will always remain timeless.
For in the end, it’s not about how you create but why you create. And just as God sees the heart behind our prayers and actions, He sees the heart behind our creations. Let that be your guide, and let your work reflect the truth within you.