Write It Down: The Biblical Call to Preserve and Share Truth
What if the words you write today could impact someone else's faith?
What if the words you write today could impact someone’s faith years from now? Your words hold a potential legacy that could ripple through generations.
My daughter noticed the notes I’ve written in the margins of my Bible and asked me if she could inherit it one day—she’d value reading about how God’s Word affected my heart and life. Talking about who gets my things when I die feels a little strange since I’m only in my 40s, but it made me think about how precious written words can be. Someday, maybe 50 years from now, what treasured truths will my daughter glean from my Bible scribblings? Our written words can become a legacy.
Where would we be without the writings of Martin Luther, John Bunyan, Charles Spurgeon, or Dietrich Bonhoeffer? How would our world be different if we had never read Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl, written while in hiding from the Nazis? The words Anne wrote as a 13- to 15-year-old have been translated into 70 languages, adapted into a play and film, and continue to influence readers decades later. Inspired by the book in sixth grade, I began keeping a diary—the first step toward my eventual writing career. I wonder how many lives have been affected by Anne’s written words.
The written words of many others have impacted my life. Children’s picture books taught me about beautiful art, excellent storytelling, and foundational Christian principles. Great novels have challenged my thinking, expanded my compassion, and inspired me to grow more like Jesus for his glory and the good of others. Personal notes from friends and family have encouraged me in my faith and deepened my relationships. Books were crucial to my education, and the study notes I wrote throughout my schooling enabled me to remember what I learned. Good writing inspired me to become a writer. I think it’s accurate to say that the written word has helped shape me. Can you think of written words that have significantly impacted you?
God values the written word. Throughout the Bible, we see how he used writing to communicate and preserve truth. A few examples come to mind:
God commanded Moses to write the Law as a complete and permanent record for his chosen people (Exodus 17:14; 24:4; Deuteronomy 31:9, 24).
God instructed John to write down the vision and summarize it for his readers (Revelation 1:11, 19).
God also called various prophets to write down his words as a permanent testimony, warning, or reminder for future generations (Habakkuk 2:2; Isaiah 30:8; Jeremiah 30:2; 36:2; Ezekiel 24:2).
God inspired Paul to write almost half of the New Testament; Paul’s letters were crucial to the spread of the gospel and the establishment of the early Church.
These examples show how a call from God to write is more than a personal act—it’s often a sacred responsibility to glorify God and benefit his people. For these biblical authors, writing wasn’t optional; it was God’s method of sharing and preserving his message.
God chose to reveal himself to all of humanity through the written word. Thanks to the faithful obedience of the biblical authors to write down what God revealed to them, we get to know God today. Their writings—by the power of the Holy Spirit—have literally changed the lives of millions (or even billions) of people over thousands of years!
As Christian writers today, we have a message to declare, truth to preserve, and beauty to share. For us, writing is an act of stewardship of the gifts and insights God has given us, and a powerful way to reflect God to the world around us. After all, he created creativity, and he’s an author, too (Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 12:2)!
Have you ever considered your writing as a meaningful legacy? Whether you write a diary, journals, books, personal notes, or blogs, God can use your words to convey truth to others in accessible and effective ways. Even if you choose to keep your writing to yourself, God can use it to clarify truth and remind you of his work in your life.
Does the perspective of your written words as a legacy change how you feel about writing?
What’s one thing God has shown you that you can write down today? Take a moment right now to pick up a pen and preserve something good, true, and beautiful on paper. The words you write today could have a lasting impact.
How to Be a Christian Writer | Glenna Marshall
"Ultimately, the goal of a Christian writer is to be a creative conduit of grace and mercy." Glenna Marshall simply, clearly, and beautifully outlines what it means to be a writer, and specifically a Christian writer.
Creative Anxiety & Procrastination | Fredrik Backman
Though Backman's not a Christian author (as far as I know), I've enjoyed his work. His description of his life as an author is hilarious.
Write What's Been Written | Zachary Sigmon
This perspective on writing even if the topic has already been written about is refreshing and encouraging.
Write Like a Gardener, Not a Gold Miner | Grant Herbel
Grant Herbel is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers on writing for God's glory. His practical encouragement in this piece will prompt a sigh of relief for many of you.
How to Use SEO to Reach Your Reader | Writing Off Social
I haven't written anything new to share with you this month, but I was interviewed by two of my favorite podcasters—Sandy Cooper and Mary K. Our conversation was a blast! If you haven't heard their podcast before, PLEASE take some time to listen to a few episodes. It's lighthearted and fun while providing practical advice and encouragement for Christian writers.
I asked fellow Christian writers: What Bible verse most encourages or influences you as a writer? And why?
Here are a few responses:
"Psalm 66:5 & 16—'Come and see … and come and listen …' This year I have been in a Revelation study and have been struck by how John was instructed many times to write this down. God wants all to hear of the only true hope."—Diane Billing
"I have this on my website, it undergirds everything I write: 'But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God (Acts 20:24).'"—Cheryl Balcom
"My writing inspiration verse is Romans 11:29—'For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.'"—Kendra Hess
"For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish the good works God arranged long ago (Ephesians 2:10)."—Ronne Rock
"'The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed (Isaiah 50:4).'"—Aimee Cooks
I want to know about you!
What Bible verse most encourages or influences you as a writer? Why?
Share your Scripture reference and the reason you chose it in the comments. (Feel free to include your name and a link to your website or blog.) NOTE: I may use your answer in a future blog post or newsletter.
Thanks for reading!
Until next time, wield the word, my writing friends!
