by Dr. Dwight David Croy
Work follows an exciting idea when writing. Life is often full of excitement with highs of adrenaline. The workflow of a writer is exhilaration, write a bunch, slow down, back to reality, slow down, concentrate on the mechanics, reality. Just like a surfer who catches the wave, rides high, determined, initial ideas die out, the ride slows, then step off the board onto solid ground.
Observing my workflow, it is much the same. My first initial ideas, words, outline, story cards, etc… Sit on my computer until I am ready to go back roll up sleeves, hammer, rewrite, polish, micro and macro edit. In a summary word, “WORK!”
Much in the same way, our life in Christ starts out exciting and exhilarating. Abrasiveness and conflict from the world is taken on but eventually beats us down. Unless we go back to the source of our salvation and strength we will give up or just survive in a spiritual limbo. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;” (Philippians 2:12) This is not, of course, a verse on working for your salvation, but getting back to taking your relationship with Jesus Christ more seriously. Remember that Revelation 3:20 in context is not a salvation verse, but one that calls blood bought believers to a closer walk with Christ. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Over and over in the Bible we have these encouragements to remember our first love (Revelation 2:4), renew (Romans 12:1-2), meditate (Psalm 19:14), pray (Ephesians 6:18), and be steadfast (Psalm 51:10).
“The world does not need more Christian literature. What it needs is more Christians writing good literature.” C. S. Lewis
As I write, I am reminded of my walk with Christ. The ebb and flow of walking the Christian life is much like the ebb and flow of writing. As Christian writers, we have an advantage. We have a sure salvation in Jesus Christ, an eternal source of power, a quiet place, a Holy Spirit who is willing to show us the direction in our writing that reflects the heart of God. Go back to that manuscript, Christian soldier, He has told you, O man/woman (Adam and Eve) what is good, to write about justice, write about mercy, and write humbly with your God (A writer’s variation of Micah 6:8).
Dr. Dwight David Croy, US Army Chaplain Retired, DMIN George Fox Evangelical Seminary in Spiritual Leadership and Formation, MDIV Denver Seminary with an emphasis in hristian Education, BRE Multnomah University is a Pastor, Teacher, an Author of “God’s Focus on the Fatherless;” “God’s Gracious Killer;” and “God’s Illuminating Blindness;” contributes to the body of Christ by writing, teaching, and speaking to promote Jesus Christ our one and only Savior.
Comments 2
I enjoyed this post, Dwight. And perfect timing: I’m about to start a writing session!
Thank you, that means a lot coming from a more experienced writer. God is so good.