Into the Fire

Writers tell a story from a choice of one or a variety of first, second, or third person points of view. But really they tell a story from more than those written approaches to “view”.

Christian writers bring their faith and denominational concepts to their writing and storytelling. If you love the Lord, you write from a different direction and point of view than that of a secular writer. Yes, yes, we consistently hear how God can use the lost to write profoundly, to touch on God’s heart—without the author’s knowledge even—and produce amazing stories in the process. I will not argue with what God can do—He is unlimited in His abilities, although He binds Himself to His Word. Realistically speaking, a Christian is far more apt to write in the spirit of heavenly design than the average secular writer, partly because many secular authors are opposed to godly principles and matters of faith and if they’re mentioned at all it’s to exploit the “hypocrisy” or “stereotypes” of believers.

I’ve previously written about my quirky inclusions of particular beverages and types of cars in my stories, but this post is about the deeper measures of points of view. How good is good, or how evil is evil? Do they become meshed somehow in a character, giving the reader mixed signals and suspenseful misdirection? Does good look “good”, or does it look impossibly pure? Does evil blare blackness, or is it subtle and “pretty”? Are the characters worldly or holy? Are there scenes of blood, gore, pristine meadows, heaven-scented flowers, busy city streets, vacant country roads, fashion mavens, or mostly naked hookers? What do you bring to your writing to speak of your outlook on life, your view of God, and the necessity of knowing Jesus?

Your point of view will prevail. It has to. Whether or not you allow for the defeat of your point of view to illustrate your disappointments, the reader will feel that defeat the same as you do if you write it effectively. You will cause a reaction and a desire for correction—justice perhaps. If you tie it up in the end with some kind of spiritual or emotional or even a physical victory, your audience will cheer with you or quietly ponder the hardship of your success. You will still cause a reaction of rejoicing or at least a silent satisfaction.

The best writers write from a place of honesty. If you’re trying to write from a position of influencing your readers, the experience you relate to them must be real, heartfelt, compelling. Surface coverage of an unfamiliar topic will be unconvincing and worse: fraudulent. Be sure you know the point of view.

This post is not a writing instruction on point of view. No, this is a post to check your spiritual thermostat. How important is your view of Christ when it comes to your writing? How much does His point of view influence what you type up on a screen? It doesn’t matter whether you write for the ABA or the CBA—as a Christian, it only matters if you can put words to story and hold it up with joy and pleasure (without concealing certain portions) for our Lord to see. Did He lead you in your writing? Did you feel His presence in the process? Do you come away from each writing session with peace in your heart, having honored Him with the gift He’s given you? . . . I suppose it depends on your point of view.

Father, the goal is to bring you honor. To represent you somehow. To be good and faithful servants. Jesus, let us never diminish you in this writing process. Holy Spirit, provide the inspiration, the words when they stall in the fingers, the determination when the fear of failure looms large. Help me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.