Writing for His glory

As a writer and published author, I’ve been asked countless times why I write and what my goals are. My replies often vary – after all, isn’t that a rather extensive question? How can you possibly frame into a few words the overpowering desire a writer has to place his or her ideas on paper? And, in my case, my love of history is one of my greatest inspirations for writing – a fact that creates a very complex answer to the query “So why do you write?”

 However, as Christians, perhaps there is a simple answer to that constantly asked question. In his letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul spells out our entire purpose as the servants of Christ. As found in chapter 3, verse 17, he says “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ…”. As Christians, our sole intent is to please our Lord and bring glory to His name. Can we do any less as writers?

But, perhaps that brings us to a whole new point. Do we truly write for His glory? Is our every intent to bring honor to Him? I think we all would hasten to say yes – but, deep down, are we truly committed to giving Him all the praise?

So, in conclusion, allow me to offer a challenge: Write as unto the Lord and give Him all the glory. And, when you are asked why you write, you can wholeheartedly answer that you write for His glory. Let this be your motto – Ad maioram Dei gloriam, to the greater glory of God.

 

    Alicia A. Willis is the author of To Birmingham Castle, the first book in a historical-fiction trilogy dedicated to revealing the truth about the Middle Ages and promoting godly ethics through its characters. When not writing or doing endless historical research, she enjoys being a church pianist, teaching her music students, and spending time with her family.