A Challenge to Christian Writers

Lately there's been a lot of talk about how authors are going to make a living in this new digital age. Free Kindle books abound. New, unproven authors are jumping into the fray. And for secular authors I understand the dilemma. Their livelihood has suddenly dried up as readers have a plethora of free options.

But we, as followers of Christ, called to proclaim the gospel until He comes, have a different calling. I know this is radical. But imagine a world where Christian authors cared enough about the unsaved to freely give that book or that study guide so new Christians could grow in their faith and in turn bring others to Christ.  I've seen how Bible studies transform lives, how people excited about their faith can't help but invite those they love to experience the same joy they've found.

As a new Christian in the 1970s I devoured Keith Green's "Last Day's Newsletter" every month as well as all his albums. Why? Because he offered them for free. Raised by a single mother in a trailer court, I didn't have money for such things. But Keith felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit to get out of his recording contract with Sparrow so he could offer his materials himself for free to those who couldn't afford it (and Sparrow let him out of that contract!). That conviction boosted me and many others on our faith journey. I thank God for it.

This digital age is a perfect opportunity to spread the gospel, to help new Christians grow in their faith! People who might never have the chance or access to such life changing content.

Will we put a ransom on Christ? Will we be so concerned about being paid for all our hard work that we will let the unsaved starve at our gates? If we are more concerned about getting that royalty check than we are about proclaiming the Good News of Christ we have missed the point. We are monetizing His sacrifice.

God knows every hair on our head. He has promised to take care of us! But we must trust Him. How quickly could we accomplish the Great Commission if we had that kind of faith? If we stopped worrying about ourselves and looked to Him with a reckless abandon? Oh, rise with me and meet this challenge. I know it isn't easy.

But there's NOTHING more I want than for Christ to return. More than anything, I want to see the clouds rolled back and the Son of Man returning for me.

Oh, that day!

I love you all,

Traci