Great article that makes so much sense! I’ve realized, too, that Christian “advice” that sticks with me the most are those whose messages are blunt, unafraid to tell people exactly what they need to hear even if they’re offended or it’s a controversial topic. The other type are messages that are not written like articles but poetry or literature, because they feel like they’re coming from a place of spiritual depth, whereas the typical article with bullet points, paragraph titles and such, feel technical and preachy. I’m guilty of this, but I’ve been trying to force myself to stop being afraid to tell the truth the way it needs to be told, the way people will listen.
I totally agree with this. I think actually the advice of writing “scannable” work actually creates a self fulfilling prophecy. If we write work that can easily be scanned, people will scan it. If we write work that doesn’t lend itself to that, like poetry or literature, then readers are automatically invited to slow down and really digest our work.
Scannable writing has its place, of course, for work that should be scanned. But some things shouldn’t be forced to fit that format.
One thing I like to remember is Jesus taught in parables, it was storytelling, it was personal, it was at times blunt, it was always rich with depth. It would be a disservice to format them differently. However the 10 commandments? Sure! Let’s have a quick list😂 It’s not one format or style fits all.
As writers we should seek to write in the style that best suits what God is giving us to say, how we should say it. We’re all graced in different ways, so we’re writing to different people who will listen best to different formats. And that’s beautiful☺️
I've often felt that tension between wanting to write effectively for a digital audience and staying true to the deeper spiritual messages I want to share. Your point about writing from identity in Christ, rather than for validation, is particularly powerful. It's a helpful reminder that our worth as writers isn't tied to metrics or perfect formatting, but to who we are in Him. Thank you for this thoughtful and encouraging perspective!
I took a long pause when you said "Christian writing serves a dual purpose- it's both communication and communion. It's a sacred space where the writer, reader, and God meet." This was insanely powerful to me!
Yeah. This is a great article. Thank you for taking time to define this. It seems like it's creating a problem where there isn't one at first but then it makes sense later that we should maintain our focus on the reason we are here.
I had bookmarked this to come back to, and I am so glad I did. Your piece articulates well many of the tensions I feel and have not been able to voice adequately with my more diverse, secular writing friends. I appreciate your acknowledgment of the challenges and ways to see them as potential paths of blessing. Thanks again for this.
I liked how you emphasized starting with our identity in Christ first before we write. How writing can become a scared space. Focusing on the Lord before I sit down and write. It's so easy to get caught up in the writing that we forget whose we are. Great article!
Awesome article! Thank you for the encouragement. I too get stuck between trying to write perfectly and staying true to my message, my identity in Christ.
Great article that makes so much sense! I’ve realized, too, that Christian “advice” that sticks with me the most are those whose messages are blunt, unafraid to tell people exactly what they need to hear even if they’re offended or it’s a controversial topic. The other type are messages that are not written like articles but poetry or literature, because they feel like they’re coming from a place of spiritual depth, whereas the typical article with bullet points, paragraph titles and such, feel technical and preachy. I’m guilty of this, but I’ve been trying to force myself to stop being afraid to tell the truth the way it needs to be told, the way people will listen.
Amen! I think it's also hard to try to fit our style into the modern advice. But there is a balance, I believe.
I totally agree with this. I think actually the advice of writing “scannable” work actually creates a self fulfilling prophecy. If we write work that can easily be scanned, people will scan it. If we write work that doesn’t lend itself to that, like poetry or literature, then readers are automatically invited to slow down and really digest our work.
Scannable writing has its place, of course, for work that should be scanned. But some things shouldn’t be forced to fit that format.
One thing I like to remember is Jesus taught in parables, it was storytelling, it was personal, it was at times blunt, it was always rich with depth. It would be a disservice to format them differently. However the 10 commandments? Sure! Let’s have a quick list😂 It’s not one format or style fits all.
As writers we should seek to write in the style that best suits what God is giving us to say, how we should say it. We’re all graced in different ways, so we’re writing to different people who will listen best to different formats. And that’s beautiful☺️
I've often felt that tension between wanting to write effectively for a digital audience and staying true to the deeper spiritual messages I want to share. Your point about writing from identity in Christ, rather than for validation, is particularly powerful. It's a helpful reminder that our worth as writers isn't tied to metrics or perfect formatting, but to who we are in Him. Thank you for this thoughtful and encouraging perspective!
This is one of the best articles I’ve read on Substack so far 👏
Praise God, and thank you!
This is so profound and liberating, especially for Christian writers like me. Thanks for sharing.
Praise God. Thank you for your kind words.
Love this reminder ❤️ “I’m a Christian who writes not a Christian writing to please God” Whoosh! 🙌🏾
I took a long pause when you said "Christian writing serves a dual purpose- it's both communication and communion. It's a sacred space where the writer, reader, and God meet." This was insanely powerful to me!
I wish I could send this article to myself 5 years ago. lol a must-read for any Christian writer in our time, imo
This hit the spot. Thank you. I needed to hear this today!
Yeah. This is a great article. Thank you for taking time to define this. It seems like it's creating a problem where there isn't one at first but then it makes sense later that we should maintain our focus on the reason we are here.
This is so amazing. I feel blessed reading this. Truly! It's been much of a confusion for me. God bless you, sir.
Praise God, I’m so glad to hear that.
Incredible. So well said. Thank you for writing this, Grant!
Praise God. Thank you so much!
This is so encouraging, especially as I'm thinking about starting my own Substack. Thank you, brother.
I had bookmarked this to come back to, and I am so glad I did. Your piece articulates well many of the tensions I feel and have not been able to voice adequately with my more diverse, secular writing friends. I appreciate your acknowledgment of the challenges and ways to see them as potential paths of blessing. Thanks again for this.
Honoring craft and calling. Amen. This was a good word!
I liked how you emphasized starting with our identity in Christ first before we write. How writing can become a scared space. Focusing on the Lord before I sit down and write. It's so easy to get caught up in the writing that we forget whose we are. Great article!
Awesome article! Thank you for the encouragement. I too get stuck between trying to write perfectly and staying true to my message, my identity in Christ.
Praise God, and thank you. Keep at it, and growing!