Although we will not see this on the news, the Body of Christ across the world is rising up in new strength as our Lord’s return approaches. Holy Spirit is sweeping across the earth, restoring us, refreshing us, and renewing us. Are you open to His work?
Prophet Chuck Pierce says that success is “being at the right place at the right time doing the right thing”. It is important in these last days that we know where God wants us, when God wants us there, and what we are to do while there.
If you find yourself wandering in the wilderness, stop and seek God. Ask Him to align you with His will for you. Seek Him with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. These are not times in which we believers can be complacent. We are still on this earth because we have not yet finished the work God has given us to do. It is His work because this life is all about Him, not about us.
So let’s examine our heart motives. Are we truly writing for the Lord’s purposes or for our own? Are we more interested in exalting God or exalting ourselves? Do we want to be famous or do we want Jesus to be famous?
One good way to answer these questions is to observe how we feel when another writer wins an award or gets an acceptance from a publisher. Are we sincerely happy, or do we feel a twinge of envy. If the latter, then our motive for writing is not right.
These may be hard words, but they are written in love. We are all one in Christ. Let us, therefore, unite in one purpose for the glory of our King, Jesus Christ!
Mary Ann, as always, your timing is perfect. Yesterday, I had a mini crisis; one having to do with a situation, the other was an appliance; I panicked—then I asked God for help, strength, and to take over. I was suddenly struck with the knowledge that I, TOO, sometimes compartmentalize the Lord instead of giving ALL over to HIM.
Thank you for this wonderful post.
September 25, 2009 at 8:08 AM
You are most welcome, Skye! Thank you for your comments. 🙂
September 25, 2009 at 8:35 AM
One good way to answer these questions is to observe how we feel when another writer wins an award or gets an acceptance from a publisher. Are we sincerely happy, or do we feel a twinge of envy. If the latter, then our motive for writing is not right.
I think there can be a combo of both … or more of a being happy for the other person and wishing for a shot at that award ourselves.
It also depends on our relationship with the award winner. One of my best friends finally got her novel picked up. When she got “the call” I don’t know who was more excited – me or her! And she’s in her fifth printing (the book has only been out two months!). As much as I want MY novel to be published, I couldn’t be more happy because my friend is a great writer and, truly, needed to be published more than I do.
All that being said, there’s a small part of me that wishes for what she has. Does that make me a bad Christian/friend? Does that mean my heart is in the wrong place? I don’t think so. I’m working hard to continue to improve my writing and making connections, so in due time, my book will be out there, too.
So, it comes down to what Mary Ann said: we need to examine our hearts and if we find anything lacking, we need to ask forgiveness and go forward.
Thanks for listening!
September 25, 2009 at 8:26 AM
You are a joy to listen to, dear Pam! Thank you for your comments. 🙂
September 25, 2009 at 8:36 AM
You’re welcome, Carol. Yes, we all have to evaluate our motives on a regular basis. Scripture tells us that the heart is deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9), so continual examination is necessary. Our Lord is gracious to show us what is in our heart when we ask Him. Thanks so much for your comments. 🙂
September 27, 2009 at 7:30 PM