by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 NLT.
Recently, I wrote about a tough time I had with a story. When I finally went to God about it—I stress finally because I would have avoided a whole lot of pain if I’d gone to him before I even started. I ended up tossing that completed manuscript.
My problems happened because I didn’t follow Colossians 3:23. I wasn’t writing for the Lord; I was writing for people. In reality, I was writing to make myself noticed. See how clever I am. See how creative I am. Aren’t these characters outstanding? Don’t these plot twists blow your mind?
I was writing to please people, not God. My motivation was off base—I wrote to bring glory to myself, not him. I worked my butt off on the story. But for all the wrong reasons.
Now, I’m in a season of transition—transformation, actually. Writing is one area God and I are working on together. It’s been a tough process. Sometimes, it feels like the creative well has dried up. Other times, I’ll get an idea and I’ll pursue it for thousands of words, only to scrap it. At first, I didn’t know why.
Now I think I do. Or at least I have a glimmer. Writing has been tough because I need to clean out the garbage I acquired while I wrote the disobedient book. Starting ideas that go nowhere is purging myself of the gunk I let into my mind. I’m not saying what I’m writing now is still disobedient. It’s part of the transformation. I think of it as decluttering. The stories may not get thrown out, but they need to be written in line with what the Father has called me to do.
I don’t know when the creative juices will flow like they used to. That’s not important right now. I need to focus on working for God, not for people. If that means a thousand false starts, so be it. None of the starts is false. All are part of the decluttering of my mind and spirit so I can be faithful. It’s slower than I would like, but I’m not stuck. I’m in the muddle of transformation. No matter how long it takes, I will see it through because I know what’s on the other side will be so much better.
Ask yourself this question: Am I writing as though I’m writing for God rather than people? Spend some time with him and listen for him to speak to you. Please share what you learn in the comments.
TWEETABLE
Henry edits novels, leads critique groups, and teaches at conferences and workshops. He enjoys mentoring and coaching individual writers.
I can appreciate your account of recalibration. But if I have to have an utterly pure motivation as I write (or serve in any other way) I will fail utterly. The part of me that thinks I'm pretty clever saunters into the room with inconvenient regularity. Wrestling with the old girl is how I build the muscles of faith. When I think about getting praised in the streets, I've got to remember to praise the gift giver instead.
ReplyDeleteI can understand if you threw out your manuscript in obedience. But I wonder how much of the gospel came through in your writing unconsciously. A godly and trusted reader could discern if the Spirit speaks. Not all of us write for a Christian market. I admire your willingness to place your gifts in His service. Thanks for posting this.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments.
DeleteI enjoyed reading your thoughts and the post below it. Both are important as I realize there has to be a reason I quit teaching to become a writer. Working in your purpose makes you think about things like this. My writing bounces out and back from poetry, which can be inspirational, to fiction and some children's. At the root of all inspiration for me is my faith and how I express it. Sometimes I want the reader to arrive at their own conclusions of faith and love. Much of the Bible is written in metaphor or parables and that makes me think that way at times. Sometimes writers give the good news without coming right out and saying it.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I like your approach to writing. It's important we be led by the Holy Spirit in all we do.
DeleteAllen Arnold's book Waves of Creativity: A Gathering of Ideas on Creating with God has been so helpful to me. From the colors of ink in my copy, it looks like I've combed through it at least four times.
ReplyDeleteI will check out Mr. Arnold's book. Thanks for sharing this resource. May the Holy Spirit continue to inspire and lead your writing journey.
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