Light words? by Nicky Wilkinson
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mt 5:16). As writers we may stretch our reading of this verse to include good words along with good works
Good words can be beams of light enabling reflection, challenging error and modelling character, especially when the writer draws on a Holy Spirit-inspired heart. The illumination brought by the writer’s good words can lead to new perspectives for the reader and a new appreciation of their father in heaven.
Our world exudes a jumble of words forming narratives, not always coherent and only partially true. This causes confusion, frustration and conflict, obstructing the ability to move forward. The Christian writer’s job is to bring clarity and illumination, supporting their readers’ ability to make sense of the world, and in turn to shine a light. God will be glorified by his people when light shines in the darkness making clear the way forward.
Our words don’t have to be complex or academic to be effective. Stories that illuminate come in all shapes and sizes.
Shakespeare used a fool to entertain King Lear while safely warning his master of his folly. Laughter lowers the guard and makes truth more palatable.
Nathan the prophet told King David a story about a rich man who took a poor man’s beloved sheep to entertain a traveler. David’s anger burned at such cruelty and declared he should be killed, only for Nathan to rebuke him:“You are that man” (2 Samuel 12). Empathy is a powerful tool of instruction.
Delia Owens in ‘Where the Crawdads sing’used the genre of murder-mystery brilliantly to explore themes of loneliness and connection while drawing on her scientific knowledge and love of nature to create the backdrop to her story and educate us about the environment.
Richard Osman used a bunch of unlikely pensioners in an old people’s home to solve murders but also to deeply reflections on how we stereotype old age. He portrays people of diverse backgrounds brilliantly.
As writers, how do we influence others to follow the road that leads to life, to be kind not selfish and cruel? Personally, I wouldn’t pick up ahandbook but I’ll happily reach for light-hearted entertainment with a kingdom message hidden in plain sight
How do we write so that our words are read and entertain while informing and exposing, challenging and reshaping, shafts of light pouring into the world revealing Him and His ways. After all Jesus is The word that our writing should illuminate.
Nicky Wilkinson is a grandmother of 6. She lived abroad for 25 years in Czech Republic and Zimbabwe where she was involved with education. Today she writes, runs, plays her saxophone and guitar, not all at the same time.
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