Five Principles for Christian Writers

Biblical Text: Ephesians 4: 1 – 6
Focal Scripture: Ephesians: 4: 1b – 3

Introduction

Are you a Christian writer that writes inspirational fiction or devotions to encourage Believers in Jesus Christ? Maybe you are a writer whose drive is sharing Christian themes and principles for the mainstream market.

Whatever your motivation, “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,” Ephesians 4:1b ESV (English Standard Version)

I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:1-6 ESV

These verses give five principles that will help you: Walk In A Manner Worthy Of Your Call To Write

 

Principle One: Humility

“to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility”

Ephesians 4: 1b—2a ESV

As a Christian writer, you should be full of Jesus, not self. The temptation is to be full of ourselves. When this happens, we are at risk of treating others with contempt. It should be about others, not ourselves.

 

Principle Two: Gentleness

“to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience,”

Ephesians 4: 1b- 2a ESV

As a Christian writer, you should be bold but under control. This does not mean to be a wimp. Just as the power of a racehorse is under the control of the jockey, as a Believer, we need to be under the control of the Spirit of the Living God. Share the love Jesus and his teachings without beating the reader over the head with the Holy Bible. Share how God’s Word is applicable to everyday living.

 

Principle Three: Patience

“to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience,”

Ephesians 4: 1b- 2a ESV

As a Christian writer, we need to trust God believing His word would come true. We need to keep on keeping on. We need to accept the fact that it takes time to develop our writing craft. 

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but wish patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9 ESV

It is better to have a limited audience and impact lives for Christ than to be a New York Times bestselling author and have no impact or testimony for Christ.

 

Principle Four: Forgiving Love

“to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,”

Ephesians 4: 1b – 2 ESV

As a Christian writer, we need to realize Christian love covers a multitude of sins. We should write with a love that loves no matter what. We have all heard it said, “hate the sin, love the sinner.” Unconditional caring is what we must demonstrate as writers. After all, as a Christian, you are, by grace saved through faith, it is the gift of God. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV

In Christ, we need to love people from where they are to faith and growth in Christ.

 

Principle Five: Unity of the Spirit in the Bond Of Peace

“eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Ephesians 4:3 ESV

Principal five is the sum of points one through four. All four points equal a bond of peace. We are bearing one another in love. Our writing should share and bring people to Christ, not drive them from Christ.

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Ephesians 4:4-6 ESV

We need to realize it is not a geographical or a denominational thing; it is a Jesus and a God thing.

 

Encourage your friends, keep reading and writing.
Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Ed.D.