As writers must of us, if not all of us, have asked the question: "Do my words matter?"
A writing friend took that question to an even deeper level by asking, “Am I legitimate in minimizing the reach my words have or am I constraining God by doubting His ability to use my words to further his kingdom?” Of course I know our words matter; especially if God asks us to write them. Obedience to God is rather important in our walk with Him.
Yet, I often find myself asking if the words I write matter. My words are simple; not eloquent or poetic. In a sea of many voices mine feel less than. I allow doubt to rule my heart instead of sharing from my heart. I am learning that what the reader wants is authentic hearts, our own voice, not our view of perfection.
I may still wrestle with finding my worth in a wearied world of words but I can be confident of this, “He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6)
We matter. We matter to Him. Every breath we take and every word we speak or write matters to Him.
What if instead we ask God if we are still using our words in the way He intends? Like the changing of seasons, His mission for us could also change. I consider this question as I ponder these words from Jesus in Matthew.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
There are two words I have zeroed in on from this passage: Make disciples.
While one aspect of being a writer requires a trust in God to bring our words to those who need to read them, particularly non-believers or those who have turned away from God, I cannot help but to wonder how writing fits into Jesus’ command to make disciples.
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| Image by Cindee Snider Re |
Please join me over at Outside the City Gate where I am sharing as a regular contributor today. You can read the rest of my post here.
Words are so powerful indeed that you can make or break a person. With our words I hope we make disciples more. Great points, Beth. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and for sharing. Yes, words can make or break a person. I pray we only use our words to build one another up. Blessings.
DeleteSimplicity is often most profound, however, my friends your words wax eloquence and breathe authenticity in abundance.
ReplyDeleteLove you!!!
Dawn
Thank you for all the ways you encourage me, Dawn. So blessed to call you friend. Love you. xoxo
DeleteA friend and I were just having this same conversation over Voxer ... how we sometimes feel like our message is too simple, or that someone has said it better already, and is it even worth it? I had three posts like that about a week ago -- when I felt like they were all so simple. And it was the craziest thing ... I got more feedback on them from people who needed to hear THOSE VERY WORDS. Go figure. :) Shineth Thou On, my friend!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, Thank you so much for your visit and for sharing. It brings comfort, doesn't it, to know we aren't alone? Your words have blessed me, and I know others, in many ways. Thank you for all the ways you encourage us as writers. Blessings to you. xoxo
DeleteI can so relate and yet I can also attest to the fact that God HAS used your words to touch hearts, mine included! I think you are so right...He is concerned about our obedience. And in through our obedience He pours out blessings...sometimes to others that we will never see. Keep writing, friend! I'm write there with you. :) Our words matter because we are His.
ReplyDeleteBecky, In my studies of the life of Moses I am learning so much about the importance of our obedience and how greatly He blesses us for our obedience. They are powerful lessons. Thank you for your encouragement, friend. You bless me. xoxo
DeleteI absolutely related to your words here, Beth. I've often sat down to post and thought, "why bother?" or considered giving up blogging/writing completely - these are seasons we pass through and more often than not, lies the enemy sells us. The Lord has always laid "just one" on my heart. If just one person reads my words and they shine a light in a dark place, that is enough for Him - for me. You are reaching much more than that in your sweet place here and I for "one" am blessed by your heart and thoughts. Happy to be downstairs from you at #tellhisstory.
ReplyDeleteHi Beth,
ReplyDeleteI sometimes doubt the words I type will have the impact that I am trying to get across, and there are certainly times when just one post can take me days to write the words I want to say! But God sends me the message (usually having to do with a topic heavy on my mind) and knowing that I write to bless His name and encourage others keeps me excited to continue sharing.
Your posts have always been a blessing to me; love to read and share in your thoughts and praises! Have a blessed and joyful brand new week!
Hugs! Denise