Into the Fire

Not “The Gap” as in a clothing store—rather the gap between the thoughts on the purpose(s) of Christian fiction and the types of writers and the experiences with God. Few things beyond the current government boggle my mind like the opinions of writers who profess to “follow Christ”.

The dissonance and brooding opinions and assertions do occasionally remind one that politics exist in every venue. In the big picture what is it all really worth anyway?

Spiritually speaking, what is so important about writing a book? The only reason it ever matters is if it’s done in obedience to God. And that not to demonstrate the talent with which He’s endowed a writer, although that talent will be in evidence. Whatever the reason for the book, God’s purpose is far more valuable than what we perceive it to be. And that purpose isn’t always measured in sales numbers.

I wonder why we engage in absolutes where writing is concerned—or any form of artistry. The subjective forces of evaluation explode where creativity is involved. Those “in the know” insist certain qualities be in evidence and shun examples where they fail to see them.

I suppose we can judge with our scales and condemn inferiority, but we cannot judge from the eyes of the Lord nor can we always know the heart of the one who wrote the piece. Of course there are standards which contribute to making something good, meaningful, entertaining, well-written, powerful. But there is only One who can provide anointing to a mere human’s work.

And what about our God? How important is He to our writing? How deep is our relationship with Him and can we hear His voice and act accordingly? Is our knowledge of Him limited to our perceptions of how we expect Him to interact with us and with others? Have we limited His vastness to our own limitations? Is He merely a tool for salvation, and then we’re on our own within a church which strives in legalism or dozes in liberality?

Who is God to you? His Son? His Spirit? How far will you go for Him? Is He in your business? Is He in your daily grind? Is He in your bedroom? Is he in your play time? Is He invited into your stories? Is He the source of your directions?

Jesus will one day judge what we have done. How much of that will be burned like chaff? Will our novels go up in flames along with our pride?

Lord, I can do nothing apart from you. I am desperate for you. Teach me to be even more obedient, more attentive to your voice, Spirit of God. Please, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.