Into the Fire

Subjective: 1)pertaining to the real nature of something; essential 2)a. proceeding from or taking place within an individual’s mind such as to be unaffected by the external world b. particular to a given individual; personal 3)Moodily introspective 4)existing only in the mind; illusory

Wiktionary’s version: 1)Formed, as in opinions, based upon subjective feelings or intuition, not upon observation or reasoning, which can be influenced by preconception; coming more from within the observer rather than from observations of the external environment 2)Resulting from or pertaining to personal mindsets or experience, arising from perceptive mental conditions within the brain and not necessarily from external stimuli 3)Lacking in reality or substance

Don’t you feel better now when people confirm to you that the appeal of certain books, bestsellers even, is, in fact, “subjective”? Now, when you don’t care for something that is getting high praises from the elite of publishing, you can say their particular opinion is lacking in reality or substance–it’s all in their minds. Right? Since it IS subjective. Yeah, that sure makes me feel better.

I’ve never personally heard anyone say they loved Ernest Hemingway’s writing, but I’ve heard them say they loved his books. I hated his writing, but I liked his storytelling. How many times have you heard people defer to the terms “interesting” or “unique” when viewing abstract art instead of saying how truly good the painter is?

The only thing that makes the “subjective” part difficult is finding those whose preferences mirror or at least somewhat agree with your own. Then when you add to that “perception” of a product, or a work, and intend for it to fit into the same subjective category as your preference only to find the judging party does not perceive it as doing so, well . . . then what? Do you know how many subjective and perceptive opinions you have to convince of the work’s value at one round table discussion at any given publisher’s quarters? Lots. And what if your particular editor is willing to fall on his sword due to his intense belief in your work? He’s allowed the sympathetic gesture, but too many thumbs down on the project, and it’s over—at least at that house.

So, when I hear people raving about an author, I have a tendency to roll my eyes. Not because I think their work isn’t valuable or impressive. No, it’s because it’s just an opinion—maybe a widely held one or even a generally held one. No matter: it’s just an opinion. Writers are people. Idolizing them or anyone else does no good. Respect is good, even an opinion can be good, but adoration and superlative praise for someone who is gifted by God should go to Him, not them.

Father, you are the Creator of all things lovely, beautiful, trustworthy, genuine, truthful, and those are just for starters. That you share and gift people with talents of all kinds, not to mention spiritual gifts, is amazing in light of our sinful natures. But you don’t hold back. The worst of us have something to give, and I thank you for your generous heart. Please place your blessing on all of my efforts to bless you and act in obedience to your directions. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.