I was talking with a good friend of mine, Torry Martin, at a conference, and we got into an interesting discussion. He mentioned that being submissive was something that writers don’t often consider. The look on my face must have clued him into my confusion because he went on.

“It’s a natural progression, from submitting things for possible publication to the concept of submission.”

Wow.

I just sat there, amazed that I’d never considered that connection. He went on to say it was something I should write about. I tried to convince him to do it, but he said to consider it my first conscious act of writing submission.

A Submissive Writer

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

As writers, we’re constantly being called to submit, even if we don’t realize it. Of course there’s the obvious connection, when we submit our writing for possible publication. But there are other ways as well.

• We submit to God’s call when we put our words in tangible form—either handwritten or in a digital document.
• We submit to others when we share our words for critique.
• We submit when we invest our time and energy in organizations, classes and conferences.

These acts of submission are part of the path we must follow to become a working writer. Beyond that, they are things we must practice—not something that we only do once or twice. This process is sometimes painful, but growth and obedience always are.

Submission is also an act that can bring on spiritual warfare.

When we draw a line in the sand and begin to follow God in obedience, it invites attack from the enemy. We can expect him to come after us in many ways.

• He tries to fill our days with busyness—often camouflaging it with good things to tempt us away from God’s best.
• He will use others to bring us down with negative words.
• He whispers in our minds how inadequate and bad our efforts are.
• He even tries to make us doubt what God Himself has shown us.

But just like the verse in James states, submission empowers us. When we refuse to be drawn off God’s path, Satan will flee. Maybe he won’t disappear forever, but by submitting we have a powerful weapon to combat him.

What are some of your thoughts on being a submissive writer? I’d love for you to share yours in the comments section below.

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.