Why We Write
by Paul Linzey
“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him”
A friend of mine named Brian ministers to college students in Southern California. Most of his work is meeting with people one-on-one, leading small group discussions, and preaching in local churches. But, a couple of years ago, he believed the Lord was leading him to start writing. In a short time, he composed a seventy-page book about what it means to encounter God and live life on a higher level.
No agent or publisher wanted the book, but Brian refused to be discouraged. He didn’t write with the hope of being published. He wrote out of obedience to the Lord, and that was enough. He self-published the little book and made it available via print-on-demand and as an e-book.
About four months later, Brian got a call from a stranger in the Middle East. The man on the phone shared that several men gave their lives to Christ because of the seventy-page e-book they found on the internet. The stranger wanted Brian to know his work was changing hearts and expanding the Kingdom of God.
There may be any number of reasons why people write. Some do so as a form of personal therapy as they work through their own issues. Others write to entertain readers or to make a living. Just as we can serve God through any of these means, Brian writes in obedience to a call from God.
In light of Colossians 3:17, whatever your reason for writing, do it faithfully and joyfully as unto the Lord. The issue isn’t whether you get a big contract from a major publisher, post your work on a blog, or make it available as an e-book. If the Lord called you to write, then write, and trust Him for the outcomes.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence and the gifts you’ve given us. Encourage us to be obedient to the call you’ve placed on our lives. Thank you for the ability to impact your world with our words. Amen.
Paul Linzey was a pastor, an Army chaplain, then a college professor. His theme scripture is 1 Thessalonians 2:8, “We loved you so much that we were willing to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” More about Paul can be found at paullinzey.com.
Thank you, this touched me. Uplifting testimony and message.