The Best We Can Be by Mandy Baker Johnson
I want to encourage us to be the best we can be in whatever genre we favour.
King Solomon urged the readers of his day to do with all your might whatever your hands find to do. Very applicable to writers! Go for it. Don't be timid or half-hearted, full of doubt. If a thing is worth writing, then do it to the best of your ability. Believe in the gift God has given you. But don't strive about it, enjoy what you do.
We are free to enjoy writing because the Father planned good works for us to do long before we were born. He knew perfectly what would suit us, and chose the most fulfilling ministry for us. This is where we can bear fruit that will last for ever. We have the power to influence, encourage, teach, bless.... The list goes on. But we can also tear down, discourage and influence for bad. The choice is ours.
Writing is a noble calling because it comes from the Most High. He loves us and wants the best for us. He aids us in fitting words together to create beauty, share truth, and encourage. Two names for God are Creator and Word. He is the ultimate author so we are in good hands in partnering with Him.
Let's not settle for second best, for falling into that trap of assessing our work by how many likes or comments we get. May we write (and live) for an audience of One. What does He think? Is He pleased? How do we present Jesus in our writing? Whether we write overtly Christian material or whether we go for subtle undertones, would He be delighted to read it?
God loves us without condition. If we never wrote another word, He would still love us outrageously. He cannot do anything less. But let's fulfil the ministry He has given us.
The Bible teaches that there will be a judgment for followers of Jesus when our motives and secret intentions will be revealed.
How sobering to think that if my focus is getting a few likes on Facebook then God may well say: 'Fine, you got your reward right there.'
But if we see past that and write the very best we can to see the smile light up His face, then surely there will be the words we long to hear: 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'
Mandy Baker Johnson is a private medical secretary and freelance writer. She enjoys blogging and recently co-authored her first book, Drawn from Words. She volunteers with a Christian charity working with women in the sex industry, and is currently researching this area for her second book.
Excellent post. As a writer I often feel vulnerable when people read my work, wondering how they will react, but if my words and motives are first and foremost given to my loving heavenly Father, there's no need to worry about negative feedback or indifference. It's great to be reminded that our worth comes from being loved by God, not by Facebook likes and shares. Thanks Mandy
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Kathryn. It's something I constantly need to remind myself about x
DeleteWise and timely words. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Aggie x
DeleteGood advice, Mandy. I also think we need to listen to those who know better than us i.e. are more experienced writers than us. As I edit my current novel alongside an editor, I am learning, by her comments to improve my work. She seems to be pleased with the progress I'm making to improve. So we can do our best and also continually strive to learn to do better.
ReplyDeleteGood point :) Being discipled (ie learning from those with more experience) in this area is as important as any other area of our Christian lives.
DeleteGreat post Mandy. Very encouraging. Thank you x
ReplyDeleteAw thanks Deborah xx
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