Years ago at a writer’s conference I was confronted by a pastor who demanded to know why I promoted lies to God’s family. As you can imagine, I was somewhat taken aback at this accusation and asked the irate man to explain what he meant.
“Those books you write. Those novels. They’re lies!”
I pointed out that if I was lying by telling stories, then so was Christ seeing as He did the same with the parables.
The man roared out, “That’s entirely different!”, and stormed off.
I don’t know why I thought about that exchange lately, but I’m glad I did because the encounter this man and I had was, indeed, about lies. But not because of fiction. It was about an obstacle that hits writers where they live, and that’s lies thrown at us under the guise of God’s truth. How many of us have been slapped at by self-appointed guardians of the truth?
“Novels are lies!”
“You’re stealing time from your family to write!”
“What do you mean you can’t take on (fill in the volunteer opportunity)? It’s not like you have a real job.”
“Why would anyone buy a book you’ve written? You don’t have anything new to say?”
And on and on they go.
And then there are the far more damaging lies. The ones whispered to us in the darkness of our minds and souls…
God would never ask someone like you to write a book for Him.
Look how long you’ve been working on this book! And nothing has happened. You should just give up.
Nothing you have to say matters.
That writer got a contract in a year. What’s wrong with you?
Friends, it’s time to stop listening to the lies. Time to close your ears to ignorant and hurtful comments, whether they come from outside or in. It’s time to turn to the TRUTH, to embrace it and immerse yourself in it. It’s time to remember Who gave you this task, and what HE has to say about you and your work. Come to the One True source of Truth, and let His words dwell within you to put an end to Writer’s Obstacle #6: Lies
1 Kings 3:9, 12—Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong…”I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!”
Ezekiel 3:10-11–Then he added, “Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself.”
Job 12:13—But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are his.
Psalm 12:7—Therefore, Lord, we know you will protect the oppressed, preserving them forever from this lying generation,
Psalm 86: 11-13– Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth!
Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God.
Psalm 119:29—Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.
Psalm 119:161-168–Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word. I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure. I hate and abhor all falsehood, but I love your instructions…Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. I long for your rescue, Lord, so I have obeyed your commands. I have obeyed your laws, for I love them very much. Yes, I obey your commandments and laws because you know everything I do.
Matthew 13:12–To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge.
John 17: 13-14, 17-19—“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world…Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
