Discernment by Rebecca Seaton

 

Discernment by Rebecca Seaton

 

        The Bible says, ‘But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.’ (Heb 5:14, NKJV) ‘And a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgement.’

 

    If this applies to the rest of our Christian walk, it must surely apply to our writing. When our hearts are set on God and we practise that which He calls us to, we can see our writing and the communities it takes us into, with the mind of Christ.

    Here are some ways it could apply to writing:

    Content

    It’s important to be discerning about content. A recent edition of ACW had an interesting debate about the use of bad language in our writing. This is one example of something where considering what God is saying may guide us in what we write. It’s critical to get into a habit of talking to God about our choices. The more we do that, the more He is able to speak to us and guide us, growing our discernment.

    Connections

    We want to connect with our audience and God can help us discern who best to hear what we are writing, whether this is a Christian/secular/mixed audience or a particular age group. We have to be open to hear God in this, as the audience is sometimes different to what we expect! Similarly, we will have opportunities to work with different people, from editors and agents to those we might do things with or meet at networking events. We should ask for God’s discernment to know who to work with and in what capacity. This can be life-changing for our own work and that of others.

    Conclusions

    How do we know when to get out? As a fantasy writer, I’m in danger of the eternal epilogues as there’s always something extra to say about my characters. Maybe it’s because I want to imagine what happens next and that can go on forever. But God can help us know when to stop. He can show us the ending if a story, of a partnership, of a writing role. Sometimes the obstacle to not having discernment is not wanting to hear ‘The End’ in places we have chosen to be.

 

    Next time you pick up your pen (or switch on the PC), take a moment to ask God, ‘Where would you have me go with this?’ particularly if you’re having to make a difficult choice. His discernment is given freely if we’re brave enough to ask for it.

 

                                                                                                                                   

 

 

Rebecca writes fantasy novels, wrangles cats, chicks and children in various capacities and is becoming increasingly obsessed with steampunk.