Five Scripture Verses for the Christian Author to Keep in Mind
As Christian authors, we are charged with a two-fold task. Obviously, we hope to entertain and enthrall readers allowing them to get caught up in the romance, mystery, humor, or thrill of our stories. After all, isn’t that why we undertake the endeavor?
There is, though, an even more important job we must accomplish – that of reflecting God’s light, love, and the salvation he offers us through His Son Christ Jesus.
With each task comes attendant difficulties. All authors must construct layered characters, place them in gripping plots, and supply both narrative and dialogue that is replete with imagery. The Christian author has the added charge of doing so in a way that is not only compatible with God’s Word but inspirational as well.
These five Scriptures are excellent beacons for the writer of faith on his or her artistic journey:
1) Psalms 96:3 (KJV)
Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people
Though the word “heathen” has come to be associated with “An individual of the pagan or unbelieving nations” (“Heathen – Webster 1913…”), originally the word comes from a Hebrew ascription used to denote all the nations in the world (“Heathen”). When we look at the word through its original prism, the role of our work seems both more understandable and more achievable. While many of us understand that our stories should represent the tenets of our faith, few might be comfortable with the idea of evangelizing on a world-wide scale. Instead, if we look at our roles as to simply present the truest, most faithful, and reverential book we can, then the job is no longer daunting. It should be, in fact, a natural progression of what we had hoped and prayed for at the outset -- God using our stories as a way to reach those beyond the walls of the church.
2) Isaiah 12:4
And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
In the great tradition of Isaiah we are reminded that not only should we the faithful praise the Lord, we should declare his “doings” to all and let all know that His name is exalted. Our writing is an opportunity to remind readers of the glory and grace of our Heavenly Father and His Son. Stories, characters, even dialogue are moment to moment personal interactions with our audience – a rare opportunity to truly share our witness however overtly or covertly.
3) Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God
Agents, publishers, even the desire for more sales will tempt and tease us to walk away from what we know in our hearts to be right and true. After all, what’s harm of a “blue” word here or a salacious scene there? To the non-believer, those questions seem not only fair but logical. To the person of faith, the answer is equally obvious. As Christians we are called to live apart – not in proximity to others but in our demeanor, our choices, and our words. Christian fiction writers know this all too well. The temptation to expand their audiences must at times be great, but in the end most remember that God has given them a focal point – His word and His promise in His Son Christ Jesus. No market share is worth sacrificing that.
4) 1 Corinthians 11:1-2
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
How often do we see a baseball player trot the bases triumphantly only to cross home and point to Heaven? Or how often did Tim Tebow drop to his knee on the sideline out of respect and love for the Lord? Even none other than Matthew McConaughey began his Best Actor speech by thanking God. Whatever your thoughts on the appropriateness or sincerity of any of these, we do not know their true motivations nor do we know their true hearts. What we do know, though, is that the Apostle Paul beseeched those in Corinth to remember him and imitate him just as he did remember and imitate Christ. In all we do, we are asked to glorify Jesus Christ. As artists, we have the unique and great pleasure to do so in song, sculpture, paint, or – in our case – words. What could be more beautiful a commission?
5) Matthew 5:14-16
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
No better reminder for our purpose exists than these words from Christ. Above I mentioned “overtly” or “covertly” sharing the Good News. That was not meant to imply anything nefarious or even back-handed. It was merely pointing out that when we have accepted Jesus, His words…His ways…will infuse themselves into every part of our life. As people, it means the way we live will reflect them. As authors, it means what we write will do likewise. We simply have no choice. Our candle has been lit, and there is no hiding the fire of our faith.
Amen.
There is, though, an even more important job we must accomplish – that of reflecting God’s light, love, and the salvation he offers us through His Son Christ Jesus.
With each task comes attendant difficulties. All authors must construct layered characters, place them in gripping plots, and supply both narrative and dialogue that is replete with imagery. The Christian author has the added charge of doing so in a way that is not only compatible with God’s Word but inspirational as well.
These five Scriptures are excellent beacons for the writer of faith on his or her artistic journey:
1) Psalms 96:3 (KJV)
Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people
Though the word “heathen” has come to be associated with “An individual of the pagan or unbelieving nations” (“Heathen – Webster 1913…”), originally the word comes from a Hebrew ascription used to denote all the nations in the world (“Heathen”). When we look at the word through its original prism, the role of our work seems both more understandable and more achievable. While many of us understand that our stories should represent the tenets of our faith, few might be comfortable with the idea of evangelizing on a world-wide scale. Instead, if we look at our roles as to simply present the truest, most faithful, and reverential book we can, then the job is no longer daunting. It should be, in fact, a natural progression of what we had hoped and prayed for at the outset -- God using our stories as a way to reach those beyond the walls of the church.
2) Isaiah 12:4
And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
In the great tradition of Isaiah we are reminded that not only should we the faithful praise the Lord, we should declare his “doings” to all and let all know that His name is exalted. Our writing is an opportunity to remind readers of the glory and grace of our Heavenly Father and His Son. Stories, characters, even dialogue are moment to moment personal interactions with our audience – a rare opportunity to truly share our witness however overtly or covertly.
3) Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God
Agents, publishers, even the desire for more sales will tempt and tease us to walk away from what we know in our hearts to be right and true. After all, what’s harm of a “blue” word here or a salacious scene there? To the non-believer, those questions seem not only fair but logical. To the person of faith, the answer is equally obvious. As Christians we are called to live apart – not in proximity to others but in our demeanor, our choices, and our words. Christian fiction writers know this all too well. The temptation to expand their audiences must at times be great, but in the end most remember that God has given them a focal point – His word and His promise in His Son Christ Jesus. No market share is worth sacrificing that.
4) 1 Corinthians 11:1-2
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
How often do we see a baseball player trot the bases triumphantly only to cross home and point to Heaven? Or how often did Tim Tebow drop to his knee on the sideline out of respect and love for the Lord? Even none other than Matthew McConaughey began his Best Actor speech by thanking God. Whatever your thoughts on the appropriateness or sincerity of any of these, we do not know their true motivations nor do we know their true hearts. What we do know, though, is that the Apostle Paul beseeched those in Corinth to remember him and imitate him just as he did remember and imitate Christ. In all we do, we are asked to glorify Jesus Christ. As artists, we have the unique and great pleasure to do so in song, sculpture, paint, or – in our case – words. What could be more beautiful a commission?
5) Matthew 5:14-16
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
No better reminder for our purpose exists than these words from Christ. Above I mentioned “overtly” or “covertly” sharing the Good News. That was not meant to imply anything nefarious or even back-handed. It was merely pointing out that when we have accepted Jesus, His words…His ways…will infuse themselves into every part of our life. As people, it means the way we live will reflect them. As authors, it means what we write will do likewise. We simply have no choice. Our candle has been lit, and there is no hiding the fire of our faith.
Amen.
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Biblical Beacons for the Christian Journey
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