O
nce again it is the season for giving, a good time to reflect on those gifts that don’t come with ribbons and receipts. The New Testament contains several lists and explanations of the various spiritual gifts, which the Holy Spirit distributes to each and every believer in Christ. Although the gift of writing isn’t on any of these lists, James 1:17 tells us, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” God gives us gifts so that we share them, in taking the gospel to the lost and in building up the community of believers.
Some Christian writers struggle with this; I know I have. If I consider my God-given love of writing a gift to be given back to Him, then does that make every story a parable and every article a sermon? Is an all-powerful, creative, and abundant-life giving God so limited? May it never be!
The gift of writing is well suited for teaching and evangelical service, but as 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 explains, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” There is a ministry for all writers looking to give of what they have received.
Helpers and administrators, local ministries may be struggling with their publicity needs. Encouragers and exhorters, your email to the missing faces in Sunday school or your letter to the servicemen and women overseas could make an impact beyond earthly understanding. Givers, proofreading a term paper can show your faith to a student who is being tested in more ways than she might realize. Discerners, the world is hungry for reliable words of knowledge and wisdom. Clean fiction can show mercy to those struggling with temptation in entertainment; grittier stories can build faith in those dealing with real world issues.
While not technically a spiritual gift, the gift of writing fits many applications and provides opportunities not only to reach and inform people, but to love them. What celebration there must be in God’s kingdom when recipients become givers and serve with their blessings.
How do you serve through your gift of writing?
