I’m so excited to get to kick off this month’s theme of writing the spiritual thread into our stories. Especially since it meshes so well with what I am speaking on at our 3rd annual retreat, April 23–24.
If you haven’t already, please check out the information about the retreat on our events page. We’d love to see you there!!
As Christian writers we hold a great responsibility to proclaim the Word of God through our stories, whether we write fiction or nonfiction. Jesus reminded us that to those who have been given much, much more will be required. Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 3:15 that we are to be prepared and ready to give an answer of the hope that lies within us whenever we are asked about it.
But biblical literacy is at an all-time low. Even among those who claim Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Yet including a spiritual thread in our stories isn’t a “new” concept.
In Mark chapter 4, Jesus explained why He used to story to convey His message: “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works. But to those who can’t see it yet, everything comes in stories, creating readiness, nudging them toward receptive insight. These are people—
Whose eyes are open but don't see a thing,
Whose ears are open but don't understand a word,
Who avoid making an about-face and getting forgiven.”
He continued, “Do you see how this story works? All my stories work this way.” (Mark 4:11–13 The Message)
Many people who won’t open the Bible to learn who Jesus is will read a book. And if the writer is a Christian who desires to impart God’s love and message to those who read their stories, the biblical worldview will show up in them. I believe it should be a natural outflow of their spiritual walk with the Lord.
Because as Jesus also said, “These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on.” (Luke 6:47 The Message)
Marjorie Geary Vawter is the ACFW Colorado Area Coordinator. Having the Word of God as a firm foundation for life is her passion, and is the topic of the upcoming ACFW Colorado retreat.
Friday, April 2, 2010
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2 comments:
What a great topic! Can't wait to read more about this throughout the month Marjorie. It's an area I'm struggling with - I have some beta readers tell me I'm thumping them over the head with scripture and I have others who tell me it's not enough for a christian novel.
Thank you, Margie. I know you're going to have a lot to offer on this subject at the retreat. I love that Scripture about foundation.
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