Our Jobs as Christian Authors
What does it mean to be a Christian author?
Does it mean you are a Christian who writes books? Does it mean you are a Christian who writes Christian books? Do you feel it is your job to introduce readers to Christ through your work? Do you want to tell stories that portray elements of your faith?
There are so many different meanings behind the term Christian author. In fact, I believe there is no one way we can define the phrase, because our jobs are so unique—so vast, yet so simple at the same time.
The Word of God says, Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31 NIV
This includes our hobbies as much as our careers, our gifts and talents as much as our responsibilities.
I’ve noticed that many Believers are quick to judge people of certain gifts. If you happen to be a singer, it is expected that you would sing Christian music. But there is a constant debate over whether or not your work as a Christian author should be held to the same standard.
Yet, the Word is very clear.
Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31 NIV
When you sit down to write, let your words lead people to your faith. Magnify God and portray Christianity in a positive light. That is our job as Christian authors.
We were created to uplift others, to introduce readers to an element, a world, or a character whose behavior exemplifies the Word. We are meant to help nourish the hungry Spirit as much as entertain it. Our job—our duty—is to create a safe space for Christian readers. We are to fill entire libraries with works that are safe for our children to read, works that do not indulge our sin but rebuke it by example. Our books are meant to glorify, teach, entertain, and edify Christ. Our job as Christian authors is to always honor God.
Is there more than one way to do this? Certainly! There are hundreds of ways.
Christianity can be expressed across many genres. You can write a sweet Christian romance, a thrilling Christian action novel, a Christian YA comedy, Christian fantasy, Christian science fiction, Christian mysteries, and much, much more. The question here isn’t the genre, it is the HOW.
How do you incorporate your faith into your work, no matter the genre?
I think the best way to answer this is to first decide the message you want to send. Left Behind demonstrated the Biblical End Times prophecy of the Book of Revelation. The Chronicles of Narnia explored Christian fantasy by recreating a heavenlike realm with Christian elements, Mark of the Raven is another Christian fantasy, this book demonstrated the power of God through special gifts—or powers—bestowed to certain families.
So, what is it that you want to say about your faith? What message do you want to send?
Are you considering a theme about forgiveness, Christian dating, mercy, death, war, depression? There are so many topics you can tackle from a faith-filled perspective.
Your message can be portrayed in an outward manner, like in the works listed above, or it can take a more subtle approach by relaying your message through certain characters, character choices, or through themes and events occurring throughout your story. This type of writing is often compared to the growing genre called, Clean Fiction. I wrote an article detailing the differences between Clean Fiction and Christian Fiction, and I certainly recommend you take a look at it.
One of the questions I get a lot about writing Christian work is the incorporation of dark elements. Questions like, is it ok for Christians to write about witchcraft, sorcery, demonic forces, etc.? I’ve actually been covering this topic in my series on unorthodox characters in Christian fiction. If you’re looking for an in-depth answer to those questions, I strongly recommend checking out those posts, Writing Villains in Christian Fantasy, and Is the Devil the Ultimate Villain? Also, be sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter so you’ll be notified of new articles.
To keep things short, all I can say is that our writing is meant to glorify God. Can you glorify God while writing books with witches and wizards in them? Please read my articles for a deeper discussion.
Many authors of the faith choose not to present their work as Christian books because they feel limited by the label or the genre. Some also feel that readers are not very welcoming. I absolutely understand these points of view, but I want to remind Christian writers that our duty is not to Man. Our job as a Christian author is not to fit into a certain genre or even to appeal to certain readers. Our job is to glorify God.
Remember, Jesus Christ came to bring salvation to the Jewish people, yet they crucified Him. What makes you any different? The Bible says we will not be spared from such persecution.
If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. John 15:20 NIV
So stop expecting Christian audiences to like you just because they’re Christian. We must be mature enough in Christ our Lord to understand that people who spread hatred cannot truly be Christian. Because anyone who is righteously filled with the love and grace of Christ Jesus will certainly have an open and accepting heart toward your writing—and even if a Christian reader doesn’t enjoy your work, a true Believer would never be nasty about it.
Having hurt feelings is a petty offense compared to someone losing their eternal soul to the flames of hell. So, like the Apostle Paul, we must consider any present sufferings worthless compared to the glory that will be revealed in us [Romans 8:18].
I understand that my job as a Christian author is more important than the words of an insulted reader. I understand that my job as the owner of The Rebel Christian Publishing is more important than a baby Christian’s immature remarks. I understand that if I don’t keep going—keep pressing toward the mark set before me [Philippians 3:13]—then there may be some people who never hear the gospel.
So don’t let a label or a genre or an inappreciative audience limit the voice and the talent God has given you. Your work has a purpose—a great purpose—and every day that you choose not to use it for the glory of God is a day that you choose to use it for the glorification of the devil.
Now, that’s a bold statement! But it’s true. There are two forces in this world, God Almighty and Satan. You either serve the Lord or you serve the enemy. When you aren’t glorifying Christ, you are glorifying the devil. It’s that simple. Write for the Lord and no one else. That is your job as a Christian author.
God bless