Into the Fire

Aren’t you just so sick of some titles? Especially in Christianity? In the writing world?

I can’t tell you how I’m growing to detest them. Let’s begin with the growing number of titles associated with being a Christian. If you are born again (John3:3, Romans 10:9-10), you are commanded to be “evangelical” (Acts 1:8). It isn’t an adjective. It’s a noun. It is included in the definition of being a Christian, synonymous even. Kind of like the Trinity. Evangelical Christian is redundant.

How about “conservative” Christian? Uh, yeah. As opposed to “liberal” Christian? Politically or biblically? Conservative by one dictionary definition reads “Tending to favor the preservation of the existing order and to regard proposals for change with distrust”. If you apply that definition to the full gospel and entire biblical content, it’s a slam dunk—but placed before Christian, unnecessary and also redundant.

How about these titles: literary, romance, women’s fiction, men’s fiction, suspense, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, chick-lit, mom-lit, younameit-lit? Just to name a few.

And yet . . . I absolutely love good book titles. Sometimes I have the title of a book before I write it. A small gift of things to come. With one of my novels I didn’t have the title until halfway through it—which for those of you who’ve been paying attention here (all two of you )—that’s a long ways into a story for me. One word titles that say it all, priceless. Layered meanings in a couple or three words. Delicious. Several words which call to mind images you have to read about! Enticing. These titles are important. They serve a unique purpose. I enjoy them when they pique my curiosity and fit the story.

Book titles or blog post titles or the titles of articles can be the one thing which makes you stop and pay attention. To consider what this title might bring you in education, entertainment, enjoyment, encouragement—I’m on a roll with the e-words. Enlightenment, ecstasy . . . E-nough already.

I was just sayin’ . . .

Seriously, Lord, you have the only titles that save us from our sinful selves. You have the Name above all names. Jesus Christ, our Lord. So many more powerful titles belong to you. None of them small or insignificant. All of them magnificent. Praiseworthy and honorable.
Father, help us as we strive to honor you and help us not to bother with insignificant titles which do nothing to further who you are in us. May we be obedient to you above all others, above all else. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.