Becoming a Creative Christian by Nina Faye Morey

If you’re going to be used by somebody,

let it be JESUS.

For me, faith and writing are inextricably entwined. I have become a creative Christian. My creativity has acted as a catalyst for expanding and enriching my spiritual life. Creating something with my words has led me to delve deeper into God’s Word, allowing the Creator of everything (Colossians 1:16) to guide me and teach me His truth (Psalm 25:5). When I’m actively engaged in the writing process, I undertake more in-depth Bible study than when I am passively absorbing the words of others through devotional readings, Christian literature, Christian television programs, church liturgies, and so on. When I’m writing, I find myself constantly turning to my study Bibles, Bible concordances (print and online), and favourite Christian websites to research what the Word of God has to say about my subject and to find supporting Scripture verses. Whether or not I ask for His guidance, God always leads me to the sources that will help me infuse spiritual truths into my writing.

My Christian faith is what fuels my writing. I feel called to use my creativity to develop a deeper spiritual connection between my readers and Jesus. I try to light the way for my readers to follow Him and to see His will for their lives. My passion for writing is inflamed by my faith in the Word. Both my faith and my writing burn brighter because of the ever growing bond that exists between my creative life and my spiritual life.

My writing helps me and, hopefully, my readers develop a greater appreciation and understanding of how our spiritual and secular worlds coexist and intersect. I explore biblical themes, such as forgiveness, faithfulness, and hope, and inject them into a variety of genres. I integrate spiritual faith into a number of secular subjects, including health, education, and environmentalism.

Being a Christian writer in today’s materialistic and multicultural world is never easy. Many current writers’ markets are not interested in publishing books or novels that directly address Christian faith or theological themes. This creates a special dilemma for Christian authors who are aiming to write popular, commercial fiction. They walk a tightrope—trying to appeal to a general audience without alienating their Christian readers. They’re ever wary of the danger of sounding too “preachy” for the worldly. C. S. Lewis warned writers against relying explicitly on religious language to get their Christian message across: “We needn’t all write patently moral or theological work. Indeed, work whose Christianity is latent may do quite as much good and may reach some whom the more obvious religious work would scare away.”¹

A Christian writer may come to fear that theirs is but one feeble voice crying out in a vast inhospitable wilderness (Isaiah 40:3). Our belief in ourselves—our talent and our faith—can easily become tattered and frayed in the current secular climate of this world. But if we are faithful to our God, who created this world with His words (Psalm 33:9) and who was the Word (John 1:1), He will bless both us and our writing.

As writers, we are constantly learning and growing. Let God be your editor. Allow Him to make you both a better Christian and a better writer. He will help you rewrite both your life and your stories. He will guide you out of your comfort zone, enabling you to risk exposing your true faith and feelings. This approach will not only help you learn things about yourself and others, but it will also help others learn things about you and about themselves. Only when you are being true—to God, to yourself, and to your readers—can Jesus use you.

Endnote:

¹Lewis, C. S. Letter to Cynthia Donnelly (August 14, 1954).

Photos: Pixabay

The Gradual Symbiosis of Writing and Faith - Tracy Krauss

Symbiosis.
"a relationship in which each party is dependent upon and receives reinforcement..."

For me faith and writing cannot be separated. The call of God upon my life to tell stories that point to HIM is deeply rooted. However, this wasn't always the case.

When I first started writing as a young mom back in the 80s, I didn't make the connection. The stories I wrote as I pounded at my old typewriter, were fluffy romances with no pretence at having a Christian message. It was all about the personal satisfaction I got from writing and nothing more. Then, about eight years into my manuscript (yes, that first book took me sixteen years to write!) I came to a startling realization. I might be embarrassed if anyone were to read what I had written. It was a bit of a crossroads for me. 

The catalyst for my self reflection came from an unlikely source. I was inspired by the singing group DC Talk. My husband and I used to run the Youth Group at our church and DC Talk was still the hottest ticket back in the 90s. What impressed me was their unwavering commitment to stand up and be counted for Jesus. They were current, famous, respected in their field - yet they did not compromise when it came to the message. There was no doubt who they were singing about in their lyrics. 

I had to stop and ask myself the question, "What will people do if they find that I'm a Jesus freak?" I recognized the voice of fear in that question - a whisperer that was certainly not from God - and determined to proclaim my 'freakdom' through my writing. If they could do it, so could I. It was a decision that not only changed the way I wrote, but it changed me from the inside out. 


Picture by ID 3547624 © Feng Yu | Dreamstime.com

Tracy Krauss writes from her home in northern BC. After more than thirty years of pounding at the keys, she still hasn't gotten everything out of her head. Visit her website to read about her many published books and plays.