One of the many reasons people love books is that they feel they are much more long-lasting than other forms of media. The fact that many avid readers have large collections and love authors who died decades or even centuries ago supports this.
But books are still an example of a temporal and perishable form of communication. Apart from the Bible, nothing man-created is truly eternal. Everything from the hand of a human will pass away, even your favorite book and author.
When considering Christian writing with an eternal perspective, we need to identify the elements in the process that are not perishable from a human perspective.
What does it mean to write with an eternal perspective?
As usual, Scripture provides a framework. Romans 8 has so many great themes. For some, it is their favorite chapter in the Bible. For purposes of this topic, I’ll focus on verses 18-25. In it, Paul reminds the Christians in Rome: (text from NLT)
“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.”(vs 18-19)
“Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.”(vs 20-21)
“For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering.” (vs 22-23a)
“We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently. (23b-25)
So, writing with an eternal perspective is a Christian “groaning” with words. We look at the world around us and yearn for that “glorious freedom.”
As a Christian writes anything, underlying every message should be a reminder that while everything is broken and not what it was intended to be, it won’t be forever. We “eagerly hope” with patience and confidence, giving our readers a foretaste of future glory. The hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness contains a perfect line about this: “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.”
Practically speaking, to write with an eternal perspective:
- Look to Scripture for themes rather than using the Bible to prooftext by quoting a verse here and there to support your thoughts.
- Treat your readers with the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5.
- Give hope. It is a core message.
- Know your “credit limit.” All good gifts are from the hand of God.
God is always accomplishing things far beyond what we could ever imagine or manufacture on our own. Just keep planting seeds, and God will handle the fruit.
Do these things, and you will find yourself writing from an eternal perspective.
Today is my final day working for the Agency. It has been an honor and a privilege.
Thank you, Dan, for so many posts that have enriched and confirmed my walk with Christ as an author. I will miss your wisdom and knowledge , the fine tension between life here and eternity- a balance every writer for Christ needs to maintain.
May God fully and abundantly bless you and your family. The best is yet to come!
What words of wisdom and a beautiful send off. Thank you for your years of writing posts of wisdom, truth, and encouragement for this blog.
Dan,
This beautiful and inspiring final message from you on this venue is exactly what I would have expected. The message of hope throughout the New Testament was one of the strongest draws for me to come to faith in Christ. I had grown up believing that hope was illusory, and simply a defense mechanism that allows human beings to endure their lives of hardship, struggle and suffering. The central theme of the resurrection is what told me that this narrative is not only depressing, but false. The embrace of the reality of hope (as much or more than that of love, peace and joy) was an integral part of my experience of being born again in the reality of Christ’s salvation. And all my later experiences, including and especially your willingness to accept me, an unknown quantity, as your client, along with everything that followed, was a direct proof that hope is not only real, but a true indication of the unfathomable glories to come.
On this momentous day, I wish you all the best, and may our Lord continue to bless you and keep you, and may you continue to be a light to all who who know you.
We’ll miss you, Dan! Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our Agency, bringing to us your professionalism, kind humor, and Christian spirit.
Love you, Dan! Thanks for being a great example for me (and so many) to follow. Your presence in my life is a gift. 💙
What a timely and godly reminder. Printing this one for my files. Thank you for your faithfulness and may God bless and richly reward the next step of your journey.
Thank you so much for this article! I am currently working on a devotional drawing from my experience as a missionary in Brazil for many years! May God bless you!
We’ve never met except through the venue of this blog post. Your entries have inspired, prodded, and educated me. This one encouraged me. Thank you for them all.
Dan,
A great reminder of who and what we write about. Thank you for the many years you have encouraged writers and blessed those who attended WTP (like me). You will be missed. I pray God’s richest blessings on you as you move into this new chapter of life.
A beautiful perspective, Dan, and one that blesses and encourages us all. Hope your days to come are filled with the joy of many rich blessings.
Thank you for leaving us with your characteristic godly wisdom, Dan. Godspeed to your next set of adventures!
Thank you, Dan. I will miss your godly and practical wisdom in navigating the publishing industry. You made it possible! I pray you will enjoy retirement and all the plans you have for it! God go with you!
I hope your future is filled with the Lords blessings as you have brought us his blessing through your words.
Thank you for this and your other posts, Dan. I write mostly speculative fiction, and even in that genre, I can write from an eternal perspective.
Blessings and joy on your retirement!
Thank you for your insightful and inspiring words over the years. May God bless your next phase of life!
Thank you for today’s perspective along with all the wisdom you’ve shared here over the years. May God bless the next chapter of your life story.
Thank you, Dan. So rich. Forwarded from a friend.
God bless you.
A sister & author in Christ
Jan
Thank you, Dan. So rich. Forwarded from a friend.
God bless you.
A sister & author in Christ
Jan
Thank you, Dan, for setting our sights on what will always matter. Blessings on your next chapter.