“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?
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.
I think we all grow weary from time to time but that's when we need to cling close to God and just get on with doing the work , which is what I am going to do now. Thanks Jan.
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