Motives of the Writing Heart
Recently, I launched an online magazine for writers entitled The TopNotch Writer. The mission of this publication, which is growing in subscribers, is to encourage and empower Christian writers in the building of God's Kingdom.
As I listen to Holy Spirit's voice within me, I sense an urgency that the time is growing shorter and shorter during which we writers for Jesus will be able to proclaim the message of salvation with the freedom to which we have been accustomed. Indeed, already forces are at play to silence us.
While I've frequently mentioned this in previous blog entries, I discern the need to mention it again. But this time, from a new angle. That angle is to be brutally honest about the reason we write.
Do we write for our own aggrandizement? It's easy to fall into that trap, especially when we meet with a modicum of success. When we meet with a lot of success, it can be even easier to fall into the trap of pride.
We may say that we are writing for the Lord, but are we really? If so, why do we fret when we get a rejection? Or why do we wax ecstatic when we get an acceptance? Shouldn't we respond the same way to both, knowing that God has a plan and that we are simply instruments in His hands? So whatever happens, He is leading us.
I encourage you to take a few moments today to examine your heart and ask yourself why you write. If writing were taken away from you, would you still be able to rejoice and praise the Lord? If you're unsure, it's time to do a little soul-searching.
And that's my "musing that matters" for today. What's yours? :)
Blessings,
MaryAnn
P.S. If you're interested in subscribing to The TopNotch Writer, please send a blank email to topnotchwriter@aweber.com.
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Copyright 2008 by MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.D. All rights reserved. This blog entry may NOT be reproduced, reprinted, or published in any form whatsoever without the written permission of Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. You may, however, forward it to others, but please do so IN ITS ENTIRETY. Thank you for your cooperation.
Comments
I think we're disppointed when we get rejections because our hope is high. We do write for God and we assume He's directed us to the right publishing house. Sometimes it is and sometimes it's not. I often wonder why God sends us the wrong way during those times. I suppose there's a lesson in rejection. Just as Jesus experienced rejection and criticism, in a strange way, we do, too, when we get that no thank you from an editor.
Interestingly enough, Proverbs says we're tested by the praise we recieve - not the rejection we get.
My best guess is that when we get a rejection, we're not ready for acceptance. We may think we are, but only God knows the best time. So we must press on.
Thanks for the reminder of WHO we're writing for, Mary Ann!
This is a powerful musing,and one that should be taken seriously. I think humility should be applied in all situations, and we must follow the Spirit's instructions at all costs.
Thanks for reminding us. My greatest joy is not in acceptance and rejection although of course I rejoice at acceptance! My joy is in the process of writing. I feel an inner joy when I have finally put into words the message I believe God is giving me. I certainly think we need to examine our motives. Often my reason for writing is just for personal satisfaction. Thanks for your daily wisdom and I am enjoying the Topnotch Writer.
clella
www.wordchicks@blogspot.com
Thanks for reminding us. My greatest joy is not in acceptance and rejection although of course I rejoice at acceptance! My joy is in the process of writing. I feel an inner joy when I have finally put into words the message I believe God is giving me. I certainly think we need to examine our motives. Often my reason for writing is just for personal satisfaction. Thanks for your daily wisdom and I am enjoying the Topnotch Writer.
clella
www.wordchicks@blogspot.com
Pride was the first sin...and it's often so easy to fall into it when things go right. I notice that with my music as well as my writing. I have to fight it consciously and consistently, so that it doesn't get the upper hand.
We need to pray for our country just as consciously and consistently, and not relegate it to the back burner of our prayer list. I've done that too often. May the Lord keep that on our hearts. Thanks, MaryAnn.
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Wow. This is really something to think about. Pride is the enemy's tool, and with each success in writing, it is easy to think "I" instead of God.