WRITING CHRISTIAN ARTICLES   2

Grace Olumayowa Aideloje

I believe Christian writing, from A to Z, is a spiritual journey. It is not to be done in the flesh. When Christ commissioned John ‘to write’ in the book of Revelations, He guided him stage by stage through it all. Jesus kept telling John what to write. At a point, John heard a voice and wanted to write, but Jesus stopped him in Revelation 10:4.

And when the seven thunders had spoken (sounded), I was going to write [it down], but I heard a voice from heaven saying, Seal up what the seven thunders have said! Do not write it down! (AMP)

A Christian Writer is not to write based on assumption but on The Truth.

And He Who is seated on the throne said, See! I make all things new. Also He said, Record this, for these sayings are faithful (accurate, incorruptible, and trustworthy) and true (genuine).  Revelation 21:5 (AMP)

If you want your works to be blessed and to bless others, you can’t afford to write what you want or feel. You must follow The Master.

Here are more tips on writing good Christian articles or other Christian works.

LET THE SPIRIT HAVE HIS WAY

There is nothing like writing from the deep recesses of a spiritually rich soul. Apart from allowing the Word of God dwell richly in you, you must give the Holy Spirit space to work in and through you. When this happens, you will just become a pen in His hand and writing becomes stress-free. If you do this, your writing will often amaze you.

“Where did this come from?”

I sometimes ask myself this question when I read some things I have written. I know it didn’t come from me; the Holy Spirit must have whispered them to me.

Anytime you put pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard, listen for The Voice within. Such works carry an unusual anointing that transforms lives.

READ, READ AND READ

In addition to the bible, you must read other works to enrich your writing.

I’m sure you already know you can’t be a good writer if you are not a good reader. In my book, Make Reading A Habit, I discussed the virtues of reading and how it fertilizes the mind for greater productivity. Writing is serious business and not for the slothful.

Accomplished Writers will tell you they read a lot. Francine Rivers, a renowned Christian Novelist said, “If you have the strong desire to write… your job will be to learn how to write. Study the craft. First, learn from THE MASTER (daily reading of Scripture). Then, learn from the masters – great writers, classics, Pulitzers, etc. Read everything analytically. Take classes. Attend a writers’ conference. Join a critique group. Start a book club. Practice what you learn. Keep on practicing. There is always more to learn, always room for improvement. I am still an apprentice after thirty years.”

Writers communicate knowledge, and one of the ways to acquire knowledge is by reading. Reading floods your mind with writing ideas and useful information. It helps to break Writer’s Block.

Unlike other kinds of articles, Christian articles should go beyond just informing and educating to stirring the spirit and soul. The main aim is to make, not only the reader, but the writer want Christ more and more.

It’s such a priviledge to write for the Lord, a responsibility we cannot take lightly. We must therefore always seek for ways to improve our skill.

What writing tips do have to share with us?