As you know, the first week of each month we take a look at a spiritual truth and its application to our writing lives. Last month the question was "Who Is It About?" This time we're asking, "What Is My Motive?" And oh, what a booger this is for us as writers!
The answer to that question is often complex, and I hate to admit it, but the battle is a life-long process. Even after years of evaluating my heart, I continually struggle to know my motives.
And I'm not alone. Jeremiah 17:9 says, The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Left to their own devices, our hearts cannot be trusted! They require continual comparison to Scripture, evaluation, and confession.
Regardless of what our actions may look like to others, we must look internally. What's driving me? Why do I want (or NOT want) to do this? Am I following the rules so people will admire me? Or am I following them from a heart of true obedience?
And the one that often gets me: Am I following the letter of the law, while ignoring the spirit of it? If so, I'm just like the Pharisees. In Matthew 23, we see Jesus' confrontation with the religious leaders and their commitment to following the law with an impure heart. Jesus said (in part):
- Everything they do is done for men to see.
- You give a tenth . . . but have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
- On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
In contrast to the Pharisees, Peter rebuked the people when they tried to praise him for healing the crippled beggar. Instead, Peter points to the Father when he says, "Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?" (Acts 3:12)
"Humble yourself . . . Don't be afraid to seem unimportant in the eyes of people," says Catherine Martin in her book, Revive My Heart. "Choose to be famous in the secret audience of God. Don't worry if it seems life is passing you by. Stay at the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ, worshiping and following Him."
As writers, it's so easy to get caught up in the all-consuming goal of publication. I know, because at one time I was there. After years of writing and accummulating nothing but a stack of rejection letters, I attended Write His Answer, Marlene Bagnull's writing seminar. During the 2-hour drive up the mountain, I cried out to God, begging Him to let me get published. I even promised I'd do anything if He'd only let me see my name in print. I had no idea what God had in store for me. You see, I drove up the mountain begging for publication. But after 24 hours of truly seeking Him, I drove down the mountain a different person, promising I would write…regardless of the outcome. It was no longer about seeing my name in print. It was no longer about receiving praise.
David knew the danger of seeking the praises of men. He knew the necessity of a heart examination. In Psalm 139:23-24, he says, Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Would you join me in praying the prayer David prayed? Asking God to search our hearts will be a daily, continual request, but it will be one that will lead us the way He wants us to go.
And it all begins with the question, "What is my motive?"
(Sky photo compliments of ChristianPhotos.net)
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And the winner is……..
Beth Fortune! Congratulations, Beth! You're the winner of Yvonne Ortega's latest book, Hope for the Journey through Cancer. I know you or someone you love will be touched by her words. Now all you need to do is email me with your mailing address and Yvonne will get it right out to you.
And for those who didn't win this time, I hope you'll buy the book for you and your family. You won't be sorry.
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It's Not Too Late!
It's not too late to register for these two great conferences coming up!
The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference is May 17-21 at Ridgecrest in the Asheville, NC area. Lots of great classes, valuable networking ops, and fun, fun, fun! And it's not too late to sign up for critiques! Several of us are still taking submissions. Be sure to check out the website and make your plans. All Christian Writer's Den readers will meet for a meal during the conference. I'll announce the day and time next week. (And if you want to read about how I got my start at the Blue Ridge Conference, check out my blog post here.)
The Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival is May 31-June 4, also at Ridgecrest in the Asheville, NC area. Come and you'll see why it's called "Hollywood in the mountains." Producers, directors, actors, screenwriters, writers of church drama, radio personalities, and more will be there, eager to teach how to spread the message of Jesus through the media arts. I'll be there again this year and would love to see you there!
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Thursday is the National Day of Prayer for our Country. Would you join me as we approach the Father on behalf of America? His Word says:
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
I pray God's blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,
Vonda
