Shoud the Christian Writer Fit In or Stand Out?

 

The world tells us we need to all look a certain way, dress according to the latest trends, and listen to the same music. Even churches fall into that trap. Probably at some point we have all wanted to fit in. Is that what we should do?

God has told us what He expects in His Word. He said we need to fit in the unity of faith, building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:12b,13

We are also to fit together with Christ and other Christians. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22

Christian writers also need to fit into the right genre when writing. Be mindful of the expectations within every genre. From the book cover to the storyline, make sure you add the elements that are expected within each genre. You will need a good story arc and character arc along with powerful edits that make for a good reading experience. 

If you include only "clean" elements (no sex or profanity) you will fit into a clean or cozy genre. If you include sexual scenes or strong language, be sure to label the work accordingly. You don't have to be evangelical. It can be clean, wholesome, and be filled with biblical truths without being preachy.

It's also understood that Christians will write from a Christian perspective, with a Christ-filled heart and a Christian worldview. If you add strong Christian themes, you will fit into both the cozy and Christian genres. A powerful storyline and meaningful characters can be written without the sex and profanity outside Christian/clean genres.

Christians are also called to stand out from the world, but not like the world tells us. It's common for people to try to stand out among the crowd to get attention for themselves. You can see it in their clothing, attitude, and hear it in their voice.

Christians are told to stand out. In God's Word we read, for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light. Ephesians 5:8

As Christians are different from unbelievers, Christian writers are also different from other writers. While our books might include trauma, demons, or other disturbing elements, the evil will always be shown in contrast to what God has to offer. Unbiblical actions might take place, but will be clearly understood as"wrong" from the theme of the book, sometimes by including a godly protagonist to shine truth on evil.

The same with humor. Christians find ways to add humor to their books without deriding someone or including lewd content. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

Jesus illustrated how to stand out like that. He said in this world of darkness, believers are to allow His light to shine through us, overcoming the darkness. Christians often handle tough topics but with an overall theme of showing God's redemption and provision. 

I always pray my books fit in and stand out. 

I pray they meet the reader with something they expected within the genre, and provide some meaty nuggets pointing them to God, above all else. 

~

Dear Christian writer,

While we are on earth, we will need to both fit in and stand out, but not like the world thinks. We can write simple or monumental books that will be on bookstands alongside popular fiction or nonfiction titles. Even so, our books must stand out as lights in a dark world, shining for Him.

Understand that you might be criticized for writing Christ-honoring material. Jesus said, If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. John 15:18,19

But, remember, we are not writing to please the world. We are writing to glorify God.

Father, bless the writer reading this today. Fill them with the wisdom to write what You have called them to write and the courage to share it with others.

In Jesus' name, amen.