I made a mistake a few days ago: I watched the news. I seldom do that. Yes, I am informed on events. I have notices come to my phone in bite-sized pieces so I can control the onslaught of evil swarming over us. But on that day, I sat there, watching, weeping, wondering when people gave up being…well, human? When they became animals, given over to the darkest drives within with such abandon that reason and civility seem to be some archaic, forgotten, spit-upon ideals.
What has happened to us?
What made any of us even begin to believe that life—any life—doesn’t matter?
What allowed us ignore the truth that we are all created in God’s image and focus instead on race and creed?
When did we fly the white flag in the battle to protect each other? Even worse, when did we hoist instead the skull and crossbones to declare ourselves the masters of all and anyone who disagrees with us will—no, deserves to die?
When did we as a nation, as a people…as humanity become utterly blind and deaf to God’s truth and laws?
And what grieves me most is that so many who claim the name of Christ are right there, in the thick of it. Not to hold high the banner of Truth or refuse to take on the world’s methods and attitudes. Not to speak the truth in love. Instead, they’re as incensed and vitriolic and hateful as the world ever has been.
Brothers and sisters, the world needs you! They need you to speak truth. We need to write truth. You are the standard bearers, the ones who hold the life preserver for those drowning in the evil. You are watchmen set upon the wall to speak warnings, to call the people back to God. You, I, we all need to hold fast to—and never surrender—the truths God gave us, truths so many seem to have forgotten:
You must not have any other god but Me.
You must not make any idols for yourself. (Not money, race, creed, career, sales numbers, best-sellers lists…NO IDOLS.)
You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. (This is not a small thing. When you use the name of the God of the universe, speak it and write in reverence, in holy fear.)
Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. (Whatever day is Sabbath for you, it’s not just another day of the week.)
Honor your mother and father. (Stop badmouthing the generations that came before you. Respect them. Honor them. They’re not disposable.)
You must not murder. (The world has strayed so far from this command…)
You must not commit adultery.
You must not steal.
You must not testify falsely about others. (Stand up for truth and justice. ENOUGH already with people getting away with things!)
You must not covet anything your neighbor has. (Not his place on the bestseller’s lists, not her popularity, not his platform, not her writing talent or marketing budget or respect or…his or her anything.)
You know, when these commandments were first read, they were followed up with thunder and lightning, with smoke billowing from the mountain, and with the loud blast of a ram’s horn. Their response? They stood at a distance, “trembling with fear.” We need a bit more of that fear, to remind us that when we speak or write God’s truths, we are doing something powerful.
Yes, offer your readers hope. Yes, speak of grace and restoration. Yes, write how God forgives and welcomes us into His kingdom. But don’t soft sell the truth of Who God is. He is Love and He is Truth. He is Forgiveness and He is Righteousness. He is Grace and He is Judgment.
He is God almighty. He has given you a task to take His words to a lost world. That’s why you write. That’s what you write. And that’s what will save us, in these days of darkness and hatred and despair…days when evil only seems to be in control.
May He use you well, friends. And may He have mercy on us all.
Choosing a Good Title For Your Book
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Great post, Karen. I think there’s all kinds of needs that writing can address. I think Christians can create a hunger and thirst for righteousness without writing an overtly Christian story. And yet, what the world needs is Christ!
It seems to me, more of us are willing to till the soil–a much needed part of the process–and to prune the hedges. But the planting and watering and weeding and fertilizing might need more hands. May more of us write boldly about Christ, and Him crucified to save sinful human beings. And may we do so with power and creativity. With attention to good writing and good storytelling.
Becky
Karen,
I too have wondered where we lost it as a culture. I was a child when you could play in empty lots and trust the local policeman. How did my beloved country lose it? How did it happen?
It’s painfully obvious America has “sown the wind” and is now reaping the whirlwind. This slide into Sodom seemed to have taken early form in the 1960’s, overthrowing traditions and values in the social and sexual revolution. Humanists declared human nature ‘basically good’, media glorified the anti-hero, and shows like “Laugh In” mocked moral values. But enough Biblical taboos still existed to curb the worst of human behaviors, so society didn’t worry.
The public educational system was slowly co-opted — God out, humanism in. Society welcomed moral relativism and lifeboat ethics, dismissing as kooks, those who warned where such a path might lead. Now, at 50 million plus abortions, marriage redefined, legalized drugs, pornography and mob violence in the streets, we can take a guess regarding that finish line.
Unfortunately, many churches joined this Zeitgeist (spirit of the age,) de-emphasizing sin, social stigmas and God’s law, labeling it “hell fire and brimstone.” Who could fault grace, liberty & antinomianism, which took its place? But with the commandments removed, we didn’t find freedom and love. We found the hellish “Id” of every black sinner being slowly unleashed. But the experts assured us that this was only due to ‘poor social environments.’
Like the proverbial frog being boiled in the pan, our adversary turned up the heat slowly, no one change being enough to alert the faithful. Once a story that captured a nation for weeks when 7 gangsters were shot up in Chicago on Valentine’s day, would be lucky today to make page 2, wedged between the ISIS attacks, the race riots, and some government agency involved in scandal.
C.S. Lewis put it succinctly, “We mock honor, then are shocked to find traitors in our midst. We castrate, then bid the gelding to be fruitful.” Like you, I weep for this now stumbling country that was once a ‘City on a Hill.’ And if God doesn’t grant America a reprieve it so richly doesn’t deserve, all that might be left for the faithful is Lot’s response — flee the coming wrath.
Clarification: Read black-hearted sinner. No racial intent is meant, as “all have sinned…”
Definitely agree with your comments. At my writers conference earlier this month, those thoughts were also noted by all our speakers. We need to speak the truth to a lost world while there is still time.
Beautifully written truth, Karen.
Spoken from the heart of many of us.
Thank you.
Awesome posting, Karen. I am wordless.
I too have grieved at how much Christians have compromised and capitulated to the world’s values, then wonder, “Why did God let this happen?” They still do not see the reciprocal nature of their relationship to the Lord.
Thanks for this powerful encouragement.
Beautifully put, sister, and timely to boot. (Do you remember the few months we worked together at Mulnomah? I took over Gold ‘n’ Honey after Melody left. I’d so love to reconnect!)
Thank you for your prophetic words, girl. They struck a chord. When I saw the brotherly love at the Olympics I wondered, “How do we keep this going?”
Let mercy lead.
Dear Karen,
I haven’t been this moved by a piece of writing in a long time. Thank you for taking the time to spill a few drops of your bare soul in this space.
You’ve reminded of my purpose and that is no easy feat. I appreciate the caffeine in your words appealing to the heart of every believer with a pulse.
Thank you for your wisdom, bravery and ability to ignite the fire of conscience .
Blessings
Karen
Super post. My passion is to show God’s true heart for his people. I hate how the media portrays Jesus and his followers. I love sharing the grace and mercy he has shown myself and others.
Thanks to you,
deb
Amen Sista!
Wow- Thanks for the clarion call. Your words sting with Kingdom vision. I’m grateful
Thanks, Karen, for being His voice and reminding us of the great call!