On Being Perfect

By Janice L. Dick

When I signed up to post in this group, I felt somewhat anxious. Would I measure up to the criteria? After all, I don’t have as many books published as some of the other writers. I’m not a sought-after speaker. I don’t live in an exotic locale, unless you consider six to eight months of Canadian ice and snow each year exotic. 

But I dearly love to write (okay, I prefer “having written,” but there’s only one way to get there) and here was another opportunity to share my thoughts regarding writing and faith. Would I be able to submit a reasonably fitting post when my turn came up? 

Then I remembered a quote you’ve probably all heard before: 

God does not call the qualified; he qualifies the called. 

How true and how comforting. And motivating. All we need do is listen and obey. 

I don’t have to be a perfect writer to contribute to this site any more than I need to be a perfect person to accept Christ’s sacrifice for me. Having said that, I do need to strive for excellence. It’s the other side of the coin scenario. Because I am a writer and a Christian, I want to do my best to record words that will be helpful and encouraging to other writers and readers, and to live a life that reflects my values and beliefs. That’s my prayer as I sit down to draft my stories. 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” 

Colossians 3:23 NIV

Janice L. Dick, an author from the Canadian prairies, writes historical and contemporary fiction, book reviews and inspirational articles. She is also an editor, teacher and speaker. Her first two historical novels won first place in The Word Guild's Canadian Christian Writing Awards, and the third short-listed for the same award. 

Website: www.janicedick.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janice.dick.56 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaniceDick54 
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jldwriter/boards/ 
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/12780648 
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/janicedick 
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+JaniceLDick

DEVOTION: Beware! Excellence at Work! ~ by Jan Cline

“Do your best to win full approval in God's sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God's truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15 GNT

We live in a microwave, fast food, high speed internet world. Patience is no longer a virtue, it is a lost art. Excellence is looked on as something we just don’t have time for. Caught up in the furious pace of competition, trivial pursuits and busyness, we lose sight of our high calling to represent Christ in all His perfection.

Yes, it’s a tall order, and one we take too lightly. The aim is not perfectionism, it is simply to mirror the One who is perfect. This means we must slow down and cautiously weigh our methods against the world’s rush to get things done.

How does this relate to our writing?

We are translating the word of God, the character of Christ and the plan of salvation into novels, devotionals, articles and memoirs. What we write, if ever read, will paint a picture of our beliefs about the Creator of the universe.

Not many famous portraits are painted in record time or with inferior materials. Most are delivered out of God-given talent that has been tempered by time, patience and study. The artist studies the subject and listens to his heart about what he sees. Then, when it is fine-tuned and examined over and over, it is ready to show to the waiting world.

As Christian writers, we have an obligation to strive for excellence. Like Daniel, Joseph, and many other characters of the Bible, we want our work to be approved by God. But we also want our words to reach the hearts of men concerning Him. Anything less than our best, most concerted efforts will fall short in reflecting the One who calls us to write.

Want to make your words count to the highest degree? Do whatever is necessary to make them the best they can be. It’s the least we can do to repay God for blessing us with the talent to write. And it’s the representation that’s good for the body of Christ. 

Blessings on your writing! ~ Jan Cline

OVER TO YOU: Have you ever grown weary of striving for the best writing you can do? 

Jan Cline is a freelance writer, author and speaker from the Pacific Northwest, USA. She is also founder and director of the Inland NW Christian Writers conference. You can visit Jan at her website.