The Things We Think Have a Powerful Impact on Our Writing Lives

by MaryAnn Diorio @DrMaryAnnDiorio

Scripture teaches us in Proverbs 23:7 NKJV that "as a man thinks in his heart, so is he." Let's unpack this verse to glean some of its rich treasure and apply it to our writing life.

While in context, the verse refers to having dinner with a hypocritical ruler who is saying one thing but thinking another, it can also be interpreted to mean that the way we think is the way we will be. Consider this closely related verse: "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life" (Proverbs 4:23 NLT). 

The heart is the core of our being. As Scripture says, it determines the course of our lives. This means that as our heart goes, so goes our life. 

And so goes our writing life.

The heart is the seat of our beliefs, whether about ourselves, in general, or about our writing, in particular. Often those beliefs are contrary to God's Word, even though we may not be aware of the contradiction. False beliefs usually have their root in childhood experiences and are usually buried deep within the subconscious mind. As a result, we do not recognize them as false beliefs and as hindrances to our success in life and in writing. 

For example, a person called by God to write for Him may shun the call because his heart tells him he will fail. In such an instance, the person is allowing a false mindset to dominate his thinking. That false mindset is the mindset of fear. It is a mindset that will hinder the fulfillment of God's call on his life.

The Bible has much to say about mindset, or how we think. One well-known passage is Romans 12:2 NKJV: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Three key points that especially apply to us writers stand out in this verse. Let's briefly consider each one.

3 Key Points to Consider about Thoughts and Writing

Point #1

Do not be conformed to this world. In other words, do not think as the world thinks nor act as the world acts. Ever since the fall of man, the world has been in conflict with God. To think and act like the world, therefore, is to put ourselves in conflict with God. This will result only in suffering and ultimate destruction. 

So, how do worldly writers think and act? They think greed, lust, jealousy, and envy, and they act selfishly by backbiting, criticizing, and pushing their own agenda without any thought of the harmful effect of their actions on fellow writers.

How do Godly writers think and act? They think purity of heart, generosity, love, and selflessness toward fellow writers. They rejoice at their success and promote their work above their own. They encourage fellow writers and purchase their books. 

Point #2

Be transformed by renewing your mind. Here the Word tells us that when we change our thinking, we change our lives. Change comes about only by a change in thinking. 

But it's not just a change to any kind of thinking. It's a change to thinking according to God's Word.

Point #3

Prove (or experience) the will of God. The two previous points show us how to know and experience God's will. When we refuse to think and act as the world thinks and acts, and when we change our thinking to align with God's Word and act on it, then and only then will we experience God's will for our lives--and for our writing lives.

So, dear friend and fellow writer, if you need a change in your life or in your writing, or if you are trying to figure out God's will for your life or your writing, ask yourself the following two questions:

• 1) Am I thinking or acting like the world in any way? Holy Spirit will reveal this to us if we ask. 
• 2) Am I changing my thinking to agree with God's Word? This, of course, requires diligent study of the Bible to know what it says.

As we obey God's command to cease conforming to this world and to renew our minds according to His Word, the truth of 1 Corinthians 2: 16 will manifest in our lives: "We have the mind of Christ." 

And that is the only mindset that will bring victory to our lives and to our writing.

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The Things We Think Have a Powerful Impact on Our Writing Lives, insight from @DrMaryAnnDiorio on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

MaryAnn Diorio writes riveting fiction from a small, quaint Victorian town in southern New Jersey where the neighbors still stop to chat while walking their dogs, the houses still sport wide, wrap-around front porches, and the charming downtown still finds kids licking lollipops and old married couples holding hands.

A true Jersey girl, MaryAnn is a big fan of Jersey diners, Jersey tomatoes, and the Jersey shore. You can learn more about MaryAnn at maryanndiorio.com.

Featured Image: Photo by Kae Ng on Unsplash