Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. Galatians 6:4-5 (The Message)
I cut these
verses out of a pamphlet for a weekend retreat over four years ago and have
carried them with me ever since. The Message translation really stood out to me
and these verses have guided me as I've traveled the writer's path.
As
Christian writers, we are on call to write the words God gives us in whatever
form they may take. This is why it's so important to "make a careful
exploration of who you are and the work you have been given..." It
takes time to dig deep into the calling on your life. It takes time and
dedication. You must commit your life to God, asking Him for clarity, wisdom
and discernment. If you are called to create as a writer, God will guide
your steps. You, in turn, have to continue taking the next right step as you
go.
The next
right step, according to Galatians 6:4 is to "sink yourself into
that" (aka the work you've been given). Walking out our faith as writers
can take the form of pen to paper, stylus to tablet, or keyboard to screen. No
matter what tool you choose, know that you honour God every time you practice
your craft.
The next
two sentences just wreck me every time I think of them.
"Don't
be impressed with yourself." In other words, stay humble. There's no need
to get big-headed. It's God working in you, not the other way around. Your
value as a writer is not determined by numbers of books sold, or amount of
engagement on your platform. It's not about you and that's okay. That's exactly
as it should be.
Along that
vein, it's not about anyone else either. We are told to not compare ourselves
with others. The comparison trap can create doubts in our hearts and minds. We
can succumb to the lie that we don't measure up, or that we somehow don't have
anything worth contributing. Here's the truth: God gave you a gift and lit a
spark inside of you that only you can fan into flame. Your unique experiences
have helped shape your writing. It's not necessary to worry about what others
may or may not be writing about. Your words are exactly what God wants you to
dedicate yourself to.
"Each
of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your
own life."
We are
called to partner with God in this life, to walk with Him on our journey. The
Holy Spirit moves in and through us to guide our creative endeavors. It's up to
us to give our best everyday. When we pour out the gifts we've been given, we
honour God, and allow Him to multiply our efforts.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than than all we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. - Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
***
I love, love, love this verse, especially in this version. I remember you shared it with me a(bout three years ago - and then again recently in a card... ) and I have it on my bulletin board to this day.
ReplyDeleteApparently God wanted to remind us both about this! Lol :) It has been on my heart often
DeleteKarma, Your post speaks to me today. I can see why you’ve been carrying around that retreat pamphlet. I would be too. Those words speak deeply to me. And your post speaks to me as well. It’s beautifully written and my heart sings when I read it. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Karma. Thank you for sharing this verse as written in The Message. This verse and what you said are so clear and meaningful to me. I am at a certain stage in my life when I am not sure exactly what I can accomplish in life or in my writing, but thankfully God knows. I trust him to urge me on in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteYes, Karma that is one of my favourite verses as well, especially in the Message-I've cut and taped it up as well. The part about not comparing ourselves with others strikes a deep resonance for me. Thanks for this post!!
ReplyDelete