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FAITH WRITER CHALLENGE TOPIC: First, as in Original
The Humility of Christian Fiction--
Maybe There’s Never a Novel Novel, But Right Writing Has its Place
As I reflect on the word, “first,” especially within the Christian context, my thoughts leap to God, who was, of course, the first anything. More accurately, He was the first everything, as the first words of my NKJ bible make clear, In the beginning God... (Genesis 1:1) Sometimes I think that’s enough, that His Word alone settles it. And who am I, as this made-of-flesh, humanly-flawed writer, to think I might have something to say that could what? Possibly add a little something to His Word?
The bible’s next word is “created.” My Christian education made it clear that only God can create, that the rest of us may merely take what He’s already made and form things we might call new or original. This makes me even more wary about labeling something I write “Christian”. With the many heresies that are, and have always been, available, I’m cautious about writing something and calling it Christian. Not only might I have to explain myself to people who are really searching for an understanding of God, but, you know, there’s the big guy Himself who knows all and sees all. I take this responsibility seriously and I try to hold myself accountable.
Webster’s Dictionary defines “original” as 1.first, earliest. Okay, I think, God’s still got that one covered. The next definition I see is 2. Never having been before; new; novel. Well, Christians and non-Christians alike are familiar with what’s written in Ecclesiastes 1:9 that “there is nothing new under the sun,” so what then? Knowing I couldn’t possibly propose a really new idea, do I then ignore the words and ideas on my heart? Wondering, who am I to think I might spread some godly thought, do I let these doubts grow into worries and give up before I even try?
I could. But then, thank God for God and the spirit within that helps push those fears aside. With confidence, I remember that it is God who works in me both to will and to do for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). And I know that this must be true, for when I have an idea for a story or an essay appear in my mind, one that gives glory to God, I have peace about its source. And I try to heed the next passage in Phillipians, to do all things without complaining and disputing. Knowing He has no hands but our hands, it’s with the utmost humility and carefulness that I pick up that pen (or turn on the computer), and allow the words to come, knowing that I’ve been given a charge that I pray to obey.
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