Guiding Principles for the Christian Writer

And the LORD answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.” Habakkuk 2:2 (ESV)

When I first began writing, I didn’t have a clear vision of how to become published. I worked hard to hone my skills, and like most beginning writers, through trial and error, I learned what worked and what didn’t.

I’ve written for both secular and Christian publications, but my desire has always been to be an inspirational writer. Skill alone is not enough to be successful in this realm.

Several principles guide my work as a Christian writer. For brevity’s sake, I’ll discuss the three major ones.

1)      At the heart of every Christian writer’s career must be God Himself.

My spiritual gift is encouragement (Romans 12:8). Before I began writing, my reach didn’t extend beyond my friends and acquaintances. I’d yet to find the broader outlet for encouraging others God had intended.

Then God opened doors for me to share His message in ways I’d never dreamed. My audience is as big as He deems, on any given day, whether on Twitter, Facebook, blogging, or magazines in which my articles appear.

I never lose sight that my work represents Christ to fellow believers, as well as to the lost. Therefore, His message is at the center of everything I do.

Being a Christian writer is fulfilling but not without trials, which leads me to my next point.

2)      Attacks will come to thwart your God-given mission.

And yet, on a Christian writer’s worst days, often their best writing emerges. When I click “send” to submit an article or “publish post” to give you my latest blog musings, sometimes I think—This is my best, but it’s not good enough.

Then a remarkable thing happens. The article is accepted. The blog posting gets tremendous response. People are encouraged.

Why?

Because God’s message is getting through, despite the enemy’s attack on me.

Other Christian writers have shared similar struggles. On days when it feels like the well is dry, the words won’t cooperate on the computer screen, revisions must be made, and defeat is clawing at door, somehow we pull it out.

Why?

Because it’s God’s message.

Recently, a well-known Christian writer told me she struggled to finish her latest book by the deadline. She wrestled with the manuscript, rewrote, got on her knees, read Scripture, and still, as a seasoned writer, limped to the finish line. The book debuted at #18 on the CBA bestseller’s list and shot up from there.

At the heart of every Christian writer is God—but don’t forget someone’s working against you. Stay on your knees and in your Bible, because if you’re going to write for God, you’d better suit up!  

3)      Be willing to walk through walls.

“No matter what my situation, I have the assurance that if Jesus walked through walls, I can, too. Besides, I have to follow Him. I have nowhere else to turn. And neither do you.” Joni Eareckson Tada

When I read Joni’s words, I thought, Yes! That’s what God asks Christian writers to do. The world puts up walls, the enemy puts up walls, friends and family may inadvertently put up walls. With God’s guidance, we must walk through them to write His message.

Are you a Christian writer? I want to encourage you to follow His plan for your journey to publication. I can assure you it’s not an easy path, but it is a fulfilling one, if you keep God at the center. Put on your armor and walk through those walls!

Now, tell me what your most difficult hurdle in writing has been. If you have a suggestion for future blog subjects or have a question, please comment on that, as well.