Edward Lytton once said, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” As Christian writers, we need to be aware of the power our words can have. Here are some things to think about the next time you write a post:
1) Remember Why You Write
Most Christian writers write to bless others—to encourage and equip the saints. But sometimes this noble goal gets lost in the daily routine of life. Writing becomes about meeting deadlines instead of ministering to others. Personally, one of my biggest struggles is staying focused. I frequently have to remind myself that I am writing to make God famous and draw people into a deeper relationship with Him. When I get distracted from that purpose, it’s easy to turn my writing toward people pleasing rather than writing unhindered for God.
Why do you write?
What is your motivation—man’s approval or God’s?
2) Follow God’s Leading
It’s easy to wonder: What will people think about me if I write this? What if they don’t think it’s interesting?
If God has put it on your heart to write something, it is meant for someone to read. You may never know who. God may have intended it for just ONE person.
Remember, Christ cares for every single person. He’s willing to drop everything and go after one lost sheep (Luke 15:4). Your blog post may be the tool He uses to reach that stray sheep.
Don’t discredit God’s wisdom or His promptings. If He calls you to write something, obey Him. There’s always a reason. Stay connected to Him, and He will guide your pen.
Are you following God’s leading in what you write?
Are you seeking to glorify Him in your writing?
3) Keep It Clean
Avoid taking your readers’ minds down the wrong path with unnecessary detail. I once read a Christian movie review that was borderline pornographic. Yes, we need to know what is going on in the movies and in the world, but we do not need all the graphic elements.
When we write about sin, we can describe it discreetly. When we give an explicit account, we paint a clear image in our readers’ minds, giving evil a platform to grow on.
The Bible doesn’t hide reality. It talks about beheadings, human sacrifice, adultery, murder, incest, etc. Yet it doesn’t go into great detail. It simply isn’t necessary to get the point across.
Our minds are powerful tools capable of powerful imagery. We should monitor what goes into them to guard our purity and the purity of others. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:28, NIV).
If some kind of unpleasant content is absolutely necessary for the topic you’re addressing, then you might want to provide a warning up front. (For example, in their award-winning film, 180, the producers warn “Public Advisory: Graphic Content” because of the disturbing pictures from the Holocaust). Remember, ANYONE of any age could be on your blog, so be careful, discreet, and responsible.
Are your blog posts discreet and God-honoring?
Do they point people to Christ and model purity?
4) Be Bold in Love
Don’t shy away from difficult topics. Christians need to address controversial issues with a biblical worldview. However, we should blanket our message in love. Sometimes we blog about the right thing with the wrong words. If you are writing on a “hot” issue, consider having someone else read your work to assure that it doesn’t come across with the wrong tone of voice.
What if a non-Christian reads this blog post? Did I explain my position well? Did I use Scripture?
Am I turning people towards the Lord or towards worldly things?
Am I writing this with a holier-than-thou tone or one of genuine love?
Last of all, remember these verses: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV, emphasis mine).
“Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth” (2 Timothy 2:25, NLT).
Felicia Alvarez lives in Southern California and loves avocados, sunshine, and serving her Savior. Currently, she teaches dance to over one hundred students and is working on her second book. Connect with Felicia on her blog or Facebook—she would love to hear from you.
Publication date: July 16, 2013