A CHRISTIAN WRITER OR A
CHRISTIAN WHO WRITES?
Part 1
Part 1
Grace Olumayowa Aideloje
I asked this question at a Christian Writers’
Workshop organized by Pen Parables International and it generated a bit of heat.
After the initial daze of distinguishing one from the other, I listened
interestingly to the discussions. The truth is some don’t think there is any
difference but I have had time to think on it and with the many articles I have
read on the subject, I am able to come to the following conclusions.
There is a wide gap between a Christian Writer and a Christian who writes.
A Christian who writes is simply that - someone who is a Christian and writes what may not necessarily be Christian materials. It may be a book on management, a sport or fashion column, whatever. He may weave Christian principles into his writing, but the work can stand when those principles are removed.
A CHRISTIAN WRITER on the other hand, is called to write about Jesus, His saving grace and His transforming power. Jesus is central to the theme. His Word is the foundation and structure of the writing. That means if you remove Jesus and Biblical principles from the work, fiction or non-fiction, poem or song; the work collapses.
So then what makes one a Christian Writer?
The Christian Writer is spiritual
There is no lasting accomplishment without God. A Christian writer cannot impact if he is not spiritual. He is dealing in the Word of Life; quick and powerful words. If he is not perpetually in the spirit, living holy and committed to the things of God, he will only be just another author of dead words.
The Christian writer has vision
Vision is a picture of the future; a projection into the unseen; a force that propels action. It is having an insight into God’s mind. A spiritually short-sighted person can’t be an effective Christian writer. Access into the secrets of God is mandatory if he must touch the hearts of his readers.
The Christian Writer points his readers to God
He points sinners to the cross and brings them to a point of conviction, decision and repentance. The primary purpose of Christian writing is to expand the Kingdom of God and pull down that of the devil.
The Christian Writer prays
Prayer generates power. Without it whatever is written will lack the spiritual force required to effect transformation.
Therefore a Christian writer’s daily prayer must be:
Lord, anoint me to write your mind to draw souls to You. Let Your healing virtues flow through these words. Possess my mind and use my hand. As you speak your word into my heart, give me the grace to write it down.
The Christian Writer leads
J. Oswald Sanders, in his book, Leadership, defines leadership as influence.
Writers exert great influence through the written word. They influence readers’ minds in unimaginable ways, positively or negatively; thus the saying, “the pen is mightier than the sword.” A Christian Writer provides direction and mentoring by his works.
The Christian Writer has integrity
The Christian writer lives what he writes. He is a model, a living example; a worthy vessel of God’s virtues. His words align with His actions. He does not compromise his writing to the standards of the world.
The Christian Writer writes with conviction and passion
He is empowered or endued with grace and supernatural ability to write. The power that any piece of writing carries is in the conviction with which the writer writes. If a piece of writing lacks passion, readers will not feel the writer.
There is a wide gap between a Christian Writer and a Christian who writes.
A Christian who writes is simply that - someone who is a Christian and writes what may not necessarily be Christian materials. It may be a book on management, a sport or fashion column, whatever. He may weave Christian principles into his writing, but the work can stand when those principles are removed.
A CHRISTIAN WRITER on the other hand, is called to write about Jesus, His saving grace and His transforming power. Jesus is central to the theme. His Word is the foundation and structure of the writing. That means if you remove Jesus and Biblical principles from the work, fiction or non-fiction, poem or song; the work collapses.
So then what makes one a Christian Writer?
The Christian Writer is spiritual
There is no lasting accomplishment without God. A Christian writer cannot impact if he is not spiritual. He is dealing in the Word of Life; quick and powerful words. If he is not perpetually in the spirit, living holy and committed to the things of God, he will only be just another author of dead words.
The Christian writer has vision
Vision is a picture of the future; a projection into the unseen; a force that propels action. It is having an insight into God’s mind. A spiritually short-sighted person can’t be an effective Christian writer. Access into the secrets of God is mandatory if he must touch the hearts of his readers.
The Christian Writer points his readers to God
He points sinners to the cross and brings them to a point of conviction, decision and repentance. The primary purpose of Christian writing is to expand the Kingdom of God and pull down that of the devil.
The Christian Writer prays
Prayer generates power. Without it whatever is written will lack the spiritual force required to effect transformation.
Therefore a Christian writer’s daily prayer must be:
Lord, anoint me to write your mind to draw souls to You. Let Your healing virtues flow through these words. Possess my mind and use my hand. As you speak your word into my heart, give me the grace to write it down.
The Christian Writer leads
J. Oswald Sanders, in his book, Leadership, defines leadership as influence.
Writers exert great influence through the written word. They influence readers’ minds in unimaginable ways, positively or negatively; thus the saying, “the pen is mightier than the sword.” A Christian Writer provides direction and mentoring by his works.
The Christian Writer has integrity
The Christian writer lives what he writes. He is a model, a living example; a worthy vessel of God’s virtues. His words align with His actions. He does not compromise his writing to the standards of the world.
The Christian Writer writes with conviction and passion
He is empowered or endued with grace and supernatural ability to write. The power that any piece of writing carries is in the conviction with which the writer writes. If a piece of writing lacks passion, readers will not feel the writer.
Our talents and abilities are given to us to fulfill
God’s purpose for our lives. So, if we call ourselves Christian Writers, our
works should promote the kingdom of God, point sinners to Christ and build up
the Church.
Comments please.
Comments please.
This article is excerpted from the writer’s book, The Christian Writer.
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