Into the Fire

Human beings have this love thing going on with, well . . . things, professions, people, whatever. If someone comes against something we do, enjoy, want, we come to the defense of said thing, job, person, etc. Once in awhile we don’t know enough about what we’re attempting to defend to give it credence because we’re not an “insider” on the subject.

If you attack something from the outside of it, you alienate everyone on the inside of it, and rarely is your complaint given any attention or merit–even if you’re knowledgeable enough to know what you’re talking about from your personal ability to discern a problem or the information you’ve gathered from your insights and limited experience. You’re still on the “outside” looking in, and your criticism, whether warranted or not, is ignored and produces aggravation instead of consideration.

So, when a person on the “inside” is able to expose a problem, whether it’s out of frustration, disgust, or the desire to effect change, shouldn’t someone pay attention? Christian publishing has some wonderful writers/authors, publishing houses, agents, editors, and marketing staffs, plus all the proofreading people, etc.. However, it is not without fault. And, like any Christian individual, it should always be taking inventory; like any professing Christian organization, it should be finding ways to adhere more profoundly to the Biblical code of ethics. Right?

Excuses for poor conduct in business is blamed on multiple issues, none of which really matters. If it exists, it is a problem. If it’s a problem, it needs fixing. Christianity demands it. Not business. Pleasing God, representing his Son, and acting in obedience to the Holy Spirit isn’t just “personal”. It’s inseparable from everything that we are and do.

A Christian can’t go to work and hang his Christianity on a hook with his hat or coat. Because he as himself is dead, and Christ lives in him. It’s one thing to go to work in a secular environment where you hope and pray the Holy Spirit gives you opportunities to share Jesus. It’s another thing to go to work in a Christian environment and adhere to secular practices. Totally another thing.

If there weren’t some issues which might have to change, just might need fixing, why did Angela Hunt and 74 other Christian authors devise and sign a petition challenging and objecting to the “ghost writing” practices of Christian publishing houses? There are other accepted modes of business within Christian publishing involving the conduct of their professionals which have made some “insiders” uncomfortable enough to question these practices and so-called ideals.

If we are to be in the world and not of the world, when we engage in business, those same principles apply. And if any of us are foolish enough to think that God will overlook wrong actions because we label ourselves with His Son’s namesake and speak the language of Christianese fluently, make no mistake. God cannot be mocked. And, if those business practices reflect poorly on His Son, God will purify the perpetrators. I’m reminded of the Scripture in Numbers where God has given a specific instruction and then the admonition: “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23

If there are problems within Christian publishing causing the “insiders” to expose them, shouldn’t someone pay attention, particularly those whose practices require revision?

Father, we all struggle with sin. We all have to take inventory and submit ourselves to you in repentance and ask forgiveness. No one who wears the precious and honorable name of Christian is without obligation to you. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving us access to the Father, the throne room, to forgiveness. Help me to always honor you, and forgive me when I fail. I love you, Lord. Lead me ever closer to your ways. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.