“I don’t have to put God overtly into the text of my story in order to glorify God in writing a story.”

Have you heard a Christian who writes say this?

I’ve been saddened to hear this opinion many times over the years. It seems as if this issue has become a matter of opinion. While I firmly believe that this is not so, others firmly believe the opposite. The result is a mixed message and divided Christian writing community.

However, when we speak of glorifying God, it is not a matter of our opinions.

God has clearly laid out in His word what it is to bring Him glory.

What is the glory of God?

In the Bible, there are several Hebrew and Greek words translated glory. In the New Testament, Greek doxa (and its verb variants) is primarily used. Doxa is literally translated: glory. In its variants, it may be translated: glorious, make glorious, honor, praise, dignity, and worship.

According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, “glory” is to make renowned, render illustrious, i. e. to cause the dignity and worth of some person or thing to become manifest and acknowledged.

Wow. To me, that sums it up very clearly. How about you?

Furthermore, Webster’s 1828 American English Dictionary defines “glory” as splendor, brightness, praise, honor, fame, renown. Also, the divine Presence of God.

Quite simply, writing for the glory of God is to pen a story that puts Him on display. Make Him present, splendorous, and famous. Make Him so prevalent, no one can miss Him; they have to acknowledge Him!

It can also mean that our heroes and allies exemplify character traits that are Christ-like. However, a person who never spends time with Jesus will never become like Jesus.

Our display of God and our characters’ lives must coincide and harmonize with each other.

Christians who say, “I don’t have to put God overtly into the text of my story in order to glorify God in writing a story,” have missed the entire meaning of glorifying God.

The simple act of using your talent does not bring God glory. It is how you use the talent that brings Him glory.

So, this is the challenge for us:

Will Christ’s Ones write with the best of their talents to make God splendorous, praise-worthy, honored, famous, and present in their stories?

I am striving toward this goal. I hope you will strive with me.