5 Reasons Christians should NOT Write a Book
Are you thinking about publishing a book? Is someone you know thinking about it? There are a lot of great reasons to publish. The written word is more powerful than most of us realize. Words are powerful, period, because they came from the most powerful Source, and we are to guard our own. (photo via pixabay)
But should your words be published? Below is a self-check list. If you answer yes to the majority of them, you might consider a different pursuit.
- You lost your job and need to make money. Ever heard of the “starving artist?” Authors do not quit their day jobs; they live on another source of income. That said, a book is birthed from a passion for the art or for the topic. You can always hire an editor to make up for your lack of writing skill, but you’ve gotta own the passion for the message.
- Your friend said, “Man, you should totally write your story!” Maybe so. But if God is not behind it, you will build in vain. Commit your ideas to the Lord and pray in earnest. Don’t get caught up in a distraction that steers you away from God’s true calling on your life.
- You have strong opinions about that certain someone and you want the whole world to know how bad they are. My only response: Hello lawsuit; Goodbye love of God. (A while back, a sweet couple wanted to pay me to write this type of book, and I tactfully had to circumvent the topic while listening to their heartbreaking story. If you’re one of the walking wounded, heal completely before you consider publishing anything.)
- You have a lot of wonderful stuff to say. Great! Consider blogging. If you narrow down your topic and gather a ton of followers, which translates as an author platform—an essential in the writing industry—then you and your book might find favor.
- You secretly desire to see your name on a Best Sellers List. Is chasing after fame healthy? Heaven’s writers are motivated by a fierce love for their readership; you long to deliver a particular message because God has overwhelmed you with His love for a particular audience. (BTW, authors and publishers don’t determine which books are Best Sellers. Readers do.)
Writing a good book is never easy. It takes time and tears. You do your research and invest in an excellent editor. If you go the Indy route, you pay an expert graphic artist to design an alluring book cover. Whether you go traditional publishing or Indy, you do the marketing. If done right, the whole process can take 2-4 years before your book is available to readers.
That said, God blesses His writers and authors. He loves to hand out gold pens of anointing to those who are dedicated to advancing His kingdom and His righteousness.
Father in Heaven, I come before You on behalf of Your children who are seeking first Your Kingdom and righteousness and in whose hearts You have planted Your message. I release Your favor upon their writing; by faith, I distribute the gold pens that flow with the anointing of Christ. In Jesus’s name.
Sowing Seeds of Bravery to Write (or not write)
