Into the Fire

As Christians who write fiction, we establish objectives. Referring back to the interview with Robert Liparulo, he said his only “agenda” was to entertain those readers who want to enjoy the suspense/thriller genre without the objectionable sexual scenes and vulgar language of secular novels. Make no mistake: he accomplishes that in spades.

Other Christian writers offer their stories with the intent of ministering to their predominantly Christian audience by the inclusion of layered spiritual truths in either contemporary or historical settings. They undoubtedly hope the appeal of their novels will stretch outside the framework of the redeemed body of Christ, but they know the majority of their audience will be fellow Christians.

Then there are those fiction writers for God who set the goal at reaching the lost with their work. They aim their stories as arrows pointing to the Creator or the Savior, and they use various genres in an attempt to capture their readers’ attentions and literally suggest the reality of the one true God. Challenging task. Not easily measured in terms of success.

We can say without condescension that novels should entertain, but by “entertain” I’m not implying frivolity. Drama entertains, unresolved conflicts entertain, interesting, comical, cynical, or demonic characters entertain. But the very nature of “Christian” fiction not only entertains, it ministers at some level—often in totally unpredictable ways.

And isn’t that the beauty of it all? That words we write can actually cause someone to laugh, to consider, to weep, to be startled or surprised or buffaloed by a plot twist? Stories can entertain while ministering the truth of a magnificent, benevolent, and holy God who loves so deep that He gives His Son as a sacrifice for the redemption of the human race. Jesus Christ willingly goes to the brutal death of the cross to pay the wages of sin and provide a perfect way for salvation to a corrupted people—if they accept His sacrifice and give their lives back to God to use for His glory.

The message is infallible—it’s perfect. There can be no better objective to write about. We need His creative abilities to keep that message fresh and real and honest. We need His anointing to be able to communicate the message effectively within the various genres. To keep it from being cliché. Because the message is magnificent. It’s worthy of our best efforts. The message is why we’re here. The message is to be shared.

Father, direct my objectives. Lead me in all my writing endeavors. Let the message be clear and effectual, real and entertaining, deep and ministerial. With your touch let the words come alive and mean something of lasting value to those who read them. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.