I’m currently reading Eat This Book by Eugene Peterson, and I was greatly challenged by the author to strive for greater
heights in my writing.
Below is a writing creed that I came up with. Much of the thoughts are borrowed from the book.
My writing creed:
1. Holy Scripture is the source document, the authoritative font. I believe the Bible contains living words that are intended to get inside us, to deal within our souls, to form a life that is congruent with the world God has created, the salvation that He has enacted, and the community He has gathered.
2. I must write in such a way as . . .
- To provoke life changes and not just stuff some information into the cells of brains.
- To convince many Christians that the Bible gives a truer, more accurate account of what is going on in their seemingly unraveling world than what the media is telling them.
- To demonstrate how presently alive the Bible is, and how differently it is from books that can be “handled”—dissected and analyzed and then used for whatever we want them for.
- To show, clearly and persuasively, that the Bible must be read receptively and leisurely instead of standoffishly and efficiently. German poet Rainer Maria Rike paints a beautiful picture when he wrote: “[A reader] does not always remain bent over his pages; he often leans back and closes his eyes over a line he has been reading again, and its meaning spreads through his blood.”
So, I must write in the biblical style involving readers in life-transforming responses. I must write in a revelatory and intimate manner as opposed to being informational and impersonal.
To achieve the aforementioned aim, I must become a Christian reader, reading words in order to be formed by the Word. Only then can I become a Christian writer.
[As I penned these words, I’m 50-days to finish reading through the Bible for this year. ???*These Chinese characters mean “you go girl!” *]
mikan14 on November 2, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Oh, right! I also wish to write a teaching that is personal yet not offending. A teaching that does not come from the mind, but from God’s heart.
Thanks for this 🙂
writingdinah on November 4, 2009 at 11:50 am
Thank you for encouraging me today! Your desire to come up with a writing creed reminds me of what I wrote, modeled on Psalm 23. I am a freelance writer/editor, and have devoted my writing and teaching to the glory of Jesus.
COMMITMENT
By Diane Kulkarnni
Perry City, UT
The LORD is my Teacher and my Supreme
Editor-at-Large. I will not be without words
or His pertinent slant on the story.
He uncovers the lead and helps me shape the
conclusion. Then He involves me in deep revision: in my life and on the page.
I follow His direction.
He demonstrates how to accomplish His work
one day at a time. He never overloads.
He satisfies me as I serve Him in writing, and
in following His ways, I am delighted and surprised.
Even though I am not ever sure of the outcome, my hands are guided by Him,
and I am rewarded.
He gives me abundance from which to create and gently corrects me when I am on the wrong track.
Surely, He has trained me for this heavenly task and I will write in praise of Him forever. Amen!
Thank you for including Rilke’s quote and the meaning of the Chinese characters. Loved your writing!!! Thank you again, Diane
poh fang chia on November 4, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Hi Diane,
Thank you for your encouragement. And thank you for the inspiring poem.
I could identify with it! 🙂
Indeed, when I reviewed the articles that I’ve written, I’m thankful at how the Lord has led me along–providing me with the illustrations and the inspirations.
Often the thought that flashed across my mind is: “Wow. Did I really write this?”
🙂 Poh Fang
learning2serv on November 9, 2009 at 11:29 am
From time to time I wander the pages of this wonderful devotional, made more precious by the fact that others can and do share.
I’m poised at the precipice of a group endeavor, we’re about to take the plunge. As I’m checking my game-gear, everything seems to be gently reminding me to remember my source, He who “satisfies me as I serve Him…”
Your words have inspired me. May I have permission to use your poem for personal use and to share with my group? And would you please share a link to your writings – perhaps if you blog or something of the sort?
learning2serv on November 9, 2009 at 11:33 am
Poh Fang Chia, I continue to be humbled and encouraged by your words; thank You.
poh fang chia on November 9, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Thank you “learning2serv” for your words of encouragement.
I’m glad that you like “the writing creed.” Yes, if you feel that it could inspire others, please go ahead and share it. One favor I would ask of you though is: Could you please also refer them to this website (www.ourdailyjourney.org) where they could read the inspirations of many other good writers? Thank you.
And sorry to disappoint, I don’t have a blog. 🙂
rlapid on November 11, 2009 at 12:23 pm
poh fang chia,
your are already a Christian writer. please, be encouraged by this & the thoughts of others. i look forward to the day that your name is seen on bookstore shelves.