chalet tribalism: Five Principles for Christian Writers

Five Principles for Christian Writers:?Walk in a Manner Worthy of Your Call to Write

Text: Ephesians 4: 1 ? 6
Focus: Ephesians: 4: 1b ? 3

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.

Ephesians 4:1-6 (English Standard Version) says,

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.

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

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

As a Christian writer you should be bold, but under control. This does not mean to be a wimp. Just as a powerful 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 t 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

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

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.

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.? That is exactly what we must do as writers. After all, as a Christian you are, by grace saved through faith ? it is the gift of God.? Ephesians 2:8-10

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 English Standard Version

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 (English Standard Version).

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 write.
Jimmie A. Kepler

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