by Lucinda Secrest McDowell @LucindaSMcDowel

“Think before you speak!” is good advice.

What about “Think before you write?” Not a bad idea either. And I would add to that, “Pray before you write.”

I’ve seen far too much writing launched out into the world these days with nary a thought or prayer as to whether or not the words are true, helpful and gracious.

More and More Like Christ

Paul exhorted the people of Ephesus to “ lovingly follow the truth at all times—speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly—and so become more and more in every way like Christ who is the Head of his body, the Church” (Ephesians 4:15-16, TLB).

When you write a blog, post, story or book, do you ask if your words reflect a person who is becoming “more and more in every way like Christ?” Don’t you want your writing (and living) to be a reflection of God’s truth?

Then stop taking for granted what media shares as “truth” and be selective in your own platform.

Define Truth

The original New Testament Greek word used in this Ephesians passage is alethia, which not only refers to ethical truth but truth in all its fullness and scope as embodied in Christ.

Paul’s passion was that people would not only understand who they are in the vertical relationship with Christ, but also express their new identity in their horizontal relationship with each other.

How we address controversial issues is important. There seems to be a steady digression into judgment and self-righteous bantering online lately. May I raise my hand? I am so tired of current events being viciously argued over social media.

Don’t Join the Crowd

Recently I learned two new words.

“Crowdpounding” is when the online community rages against someone or something that was said, tweeted, or blogged, with an avalanche of vindictive words spewed on the screen. No real person has to take responsibility.

“Crowdaffirming” is the same sort of thing, but in a vehement positive way that also can get weirdly out of control.

But who wants to be part of a “crowd-anything?” We are called to be individuals and to answer to God as such.

Timothy emphasized that our words are a huge reflection of our walk. “Warn them before God against pious nitpicking, which chips away at the faith. It just wears everyone out. Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple” (2 Timothy 2:16, MSG).

Communicate Truth with Love

I believe that we communicators are to be salt and light in the world. Our voice must be heard. But may it never be a strident, judgmental voice. May our compassion and kindness be the ‘tact’ that accompanies truth.

In his book, “Fool’s Talk,” Os Guiness says:

“God’s truth requires God’s art to serve God’s end. Any Christian explanation or defense of truth must have a life, a manner and a tone that are shaped decisively by the central truths of the gospel. We Christians must seek to communicate in a way that is shaped by the One who sends us, and therefore by the pattern of the Incarnation, the Cross, and the Holy Spirit…it should always be evident that any power and persuasiveness in our communication comes from Him and not us.”

Represent the Lord with What We Say

“Pious nitpicking” chips away at the faith and wears everyone out! Let’s make sure our words – both written and spoken – reflect the One we represent.

We can handle the truth in a winsome way!

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—[WRITE] such things” (Philippians 4:8, NIV).

What are other ways you honor God with your writing? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

 ©2018 Lucinda Secrest McDowell

Lucinda Secrest McDowell, M.T.S., is passionate about embracing life — both through deep soul care as well as living courageously to touch a needy world. A storyteller who engages both heart and mind, she delights in “Helping you Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.”  A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, McDowell is the author of 13 books and contributing author to 30+ books. Her books include the award-winning Dwelling Places (2017 Christian Retailing BEST Award), Ordinary Graces (2018 SELAH finalist), Live These Words, Refresh! and Role of a Lifetime.  A member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), Lucinda received Mt. Hermon “Writer of the Year” award and guest blogs monthly for The Write Conversation and Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Blog. Whether co-directing  “reNEW ~ retreat for New England Writing,”  pouring into young mamas, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages. Lucinda’s favorites include tea parties, good books, laughing friends, ancient prayers, country music, cozy quilts, musical theatre, and especially her family scattered around the world doing amazing things.  Known for her ability to convey deep truth in practical and winsome ways, she writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and blogs weekly at http://www.EncouragingWords.net/